Repairs to the massive water main that broke on Connecticut Avenue in Chevy Chase Monday are "nearing completion," the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission said Thursday.
Crews will flush the repaired line Friday, part of the decontamination process to ensure water quality, before putting the transmission main back into service.
If this part of the repairs goes well, WSSC hopes to have the main back in service sometime over the weekend.
Until the main is back in business, however, customers in two counties remain under mandatory water restrictions (see below).
The 60-inch water transmission pipe attached to a 54-inch line broke about 8 p.m. Monday at Chevy Chase Lake Drive, where water gushed 30 feet in the air.
"It was unbelievable," said Anne Nelson, who lives on nearby Chevy Chase Lakes Drive. "I'd never seen that much water. I couldn't believe it was coming from one place." Nelson had to park her car two blocks away on Connecticut Avenue and walked home.
WATER RESTRICTIONS IN MARYLAND
All WSSC customers in Prince George's and Montgomery counties are required to restrict usage until repairs are complete.
WSSC says all residential and commercial customers must:
- Use water only as necessary -- i.e., take shorter showers and turn off faucets after washing hands and while brushing teeth.
- Limit flushing toilets (do not flush after every use).
- Put off washing clothes if possible.
- Limit the use of dishwashers and wash only full loads.
A violation carries a fine of up to $500 fine.
WSSC said in a release it has been working with fire departments from both counties to ensure adequate fire protection.
"Please don't hoard water. We're not running out," said General Manager Jerry N. Johnson. "But if everyone can cut their water use by 10 percent, we should be OK. We appreciate everyone's understanding and cooperation."