WASHINGTON — As the temperatures dip and it starts to feel like January, the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission’s new general manager says the agency expects an influx of water main breaks.
So far this month, the water supplier has had 88 pipes burst.
WSSC says it expects to see an average of between 400 and 600 water main breaks this winter. Overall, WSSC’s Utility Services Team repaired 1,918 water main breaks and leaks in 2015.
However, General Manager Carla Reid told WTOP that the utility is unaware of water main breaks until they are reported.
“We depend on our customers too to help us detect any signs of breakage, whether it’s a big leak or a little leak or a whole street blow out,” Reid said.
Reid says the WSSC app allows customers to report a burst pipe on their phones. The app uses GPS to let crews know where the repairs are needed. This way customers don’t even need to call in, however that option is still available.
Customers can call WSSC’s 24/7 Emergency Call Center at 301-206-4002, or email: emergencycallcenter@wsscwater.com.
