WSSC Water has issued a boil water advisory for residents in parts of Prince George’s County, Maryland, following a significant water main break in Hyattsville, near the Cheverly Metro Station. Approximately 11,200 customers, including those in Cheverly, Seat Pleasant, and Capitol Heights, are affected by this advisory.
Repair crews have commenced work on fixing the ruptured 16-inch water main after water service was halted overnight. As of now, there is no estimated time for when service will be restored, but officials will provide an update after assessing the damage.
Residents in the impacted areas are advised to boil water for one minute and allow it to cool before using it for drinking, brushing teeth, washing fruits and vegetables, preparing baby food and formula, making ice, or giving it to pets. However, activities such as washing hands, showering, washing clothes, and doing dishes are safe as long as the water is not consumed.
To assist those affected, WSSC Water has set up a water distribution center at the Judith P. Hoyer Early Childhood Center in Cheverly, which will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for residents to collect bottled water during the outage.
For those looking for more information, WSSC Water has made an interactive map available to help residents determine if they reside in an affected area. As repairs continue, the community’s patience and cooperation are essential during this time.
This incident highlights the importance of infrastructure maintenance and the community’s resilience in dealing with unexpected challenges like this one.