Fewer Reports of Discolored Water in Montgomery, Prince George's Counties

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The number of calls from residents in Montgomery and Prince George’s County who have discolored water in their pipes has dropped in the past week, say utility officials, who say the cause is likely salt used to treat roads over the winter.

While the water is safe to drink, residents shouldn’t wash clothes with the discolored water, which might leave rust stains, say Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission officials.

Utility workers have increased sampling at the water plants and throughout the distribution system, and the tests show higher than normal levels of manganese. The element can be attributed to road salts used on icy winter roads. WSSC’s drinking water continues to meet or surpass federal requirements for safety and quality, according to a news release.

Scientists say manganese does not pose a health risk at levels it’s been found in the system. However, at low concentrations, the element can cause black- to brown-colored water, stain laundry and have a bitter taste while high levels of chlorides can cause a salty taste in water.

WSSC has activated an additional treatment to decrease the level of manganese in the tap water. Since then the number of customers reporting discolored water has diminished and test results have shown decreasing levels of manganese throughout the distribution system. It can take up to two weeks for treated water to move from the filtration plant to the farthest customers in the WSSC system.

Since the increase in discolored water calls began in early April, the highest number of calls in a single day was 84. On Thursday, the utility says it received 26 reports about discolored water. WSSC continues to have crews flush the water mains in the neighborhood of every call by opening up fire hydrants.

Customers who still have discolored water should call the 24-hour service line at 301.206.4002 or send an email to [email protected].

Although water is safe for drinking, customers with compromised immune systems (such as cancer patients undergoing treatment, HIV positive individuals, transplant recipients, seniors, and infants) should take the same precautions they normally take with regular tap water and/or seek advice from their physician before consuming discolored water.

WSSC does not recommend using discolored water to do laundry. If clothing gets stained, immediately wash the clothes again using a rust remover product. This type of product is available in most supermarkets or you can contact WSSC at 301-206-4001 or contact us online and request a stain remover. For better results, do not let the clothes dry.