Mandatory Water Restrictions

See the press release from WSSC about mandatory water restrictions for all WSSC customers.

LAUREL – July 1, 2010: To ensure continued water supply for all WSSC customers and for fire protection and hospital/medical uses, Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) General Manager Jerry N. Johnson today called for mandatory water restrictions for all WSSC customers. The goal is to reduce water usage by about one-third. The restrictions take effect immediately and are expected to last at least four days.

The mandatory restrictions are necessary after monitoring technology indicated a failing section of a 96-inch water main located near the corner of Tuckerman Lane and Gainsborough Road in Potomac in Montgomery County. “This technology, an acoustic fiber optic monitoring system, detected the problem, allowing us to take preventative measures now,” says Johnson. “This proves the system works and helped us to prevent what could have been a much more serious situation. “ The fiber optics system was installed in the pipe three years ago and will eventually be installed in all of WSSC’s large water mains. The process to repair the pipe has already begun and will continue around-the-clock until complete. Until that time it is imperative that customers:

· Stop all outside water use – no watering lawns, no washing cars, no topping off swimming pools
· Use water only as necessary
· Limit flushing toilets (do not flush after every use)
· Limit using washing machines and dishwashers (wash full loads only)

WSSC has been working with fire departments from both counties to make sure there is adequate fire protection, especially considering that this weekend is the 4th of July and there will likely be numerous fireworks displays. “We know this is a burden, especially on this holiday weekend. But if everyone can be vigilant and cut their water use by a third, we’ll be ok,” said Johnson. "We appreciate everyone's understanding, patience and cooperation while we work through this."

WSSC will notify customers once repairs are complete and mandatory restrictions are no longer necessary.

For additional information log on to the WSSC website at www.wsscwater.com or call the WSSC Call Center at 301.206.4002.

Watch the History Channel Next Week

Set your DVR. I will appear on the History Channel’s documentary, The Crumbling of America, discussing the December 23 water main break on River Road that led to stranded motorists being rescued by helicopter and swift water boats.

I explained in the taping that Montgomery County, along with many other jurisdictions nationwide, grapples with competing needs. Invisible problems like underground pipes struggle to compete with sexier capital projects like libraries and community centers. The documentary highlights the seriousness of aging infrastructure that increasingly causes headaches for us all, and I am glad to see these issues playing out on a national stage.

According to the program listing, “America’s infrastructure is collapsing. Tens of thousands of bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete. A third of the nation’s highways are in poor or mediocre shape. Massively leaking water and sewage systems are creating health hazards and contaminating rivers and streams. The Crumbling of America explores these problems using expert interviews, on location shooting and computer generated animation to illustrate the kinds of infrastructure disasters that could be just around the bend.”

The documentary will air on Monday, June 22 at 9 p.m.; Tuesday June 23 at 1 a.m.; and Sunday, June 28 at 5 p.m. Let me know that you think of the program.

Forensic Analysis Presented to Committee

Yesterday the Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee heard a presentation by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission on the forensic analysis of the Dec. 23 water main break on River Road that led to stranded motorists being rescued by helicopter and swift water boats. In the meeting, I urged the agency to keep the County Council apprised as it identifies the most compromised pipes in its system and as it schedules repairs to major lines.

The December water main break on River Road in Bethesda put lives in jeopardy, closed schools and caused extreme inconvenience to commuters, residents, businesses and holiday travelers, so it is imperative that we stay on top of WSSC’s plans now that we have detailed information on the cause of the break. That’s why, after speaking with WSSC Commissioner Adrienne Mandel, I’m initiating more regular meetings with our three Montgomery County WSSC Commissioners.

The rupture of the 66-inch pre-cast concrete cylinder pipe (PCCP) was caused by damage to the coating as a result of the pipe being supported directly by rock, according to the forensic analysis conducted by Lewis Engineering and Consulting. Installation, which occurred in 1965, did not meet WSSC General Specifications in force at the time.

During prior discussions of the large diameter PCCP issue, it was concluded that a robust inspection and monitoring program was needed for all pipe of this type because of the uncertainty of where these pipes were degrading. The forensic analysis suggests that a review of installation practices, in addition to potentially defective pipe material, may be warranted.

I'll keep you posted as we move forward. In the meantime, let me know your thoughts.

WSSC River Road Break Report

On Monday the Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment (T and E) Committee, which I chair, will receive a briefing from the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission that will include findings of a forensic analysis of the Dec. 23 water main break on River Road in Potomac that led to stranded motorists being rescued by helicopters and swift water boats. The report also will focus on the implications of the findings in regard to the WSSC’s future water main infrastructure priorities.

If you want to follow along, the session will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM—Cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon) or come to the Council's 3rd Floor Conference Room at 9:30 a.m. Then let me know that you think.

WSSC One Drop at a Time

After initially releasing a plan that made the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission ineligible for stimulus grant dollars because of its relative wealth, the Maryland Department of the Environment has now issued a revised funding list. Under the new plan, WSSC gets both $4 million in grants and $2 million in loans for projects. This amount is a drop in the bucket given that WSSC requested $75 million for shovel-ready projects. After months of headlines about severe and record-number breaks and leaks, it is clear we need more.

Optimism About a New GM at WSSC

I am encouraged by today’s announcement that Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett and Prince George’s County Executive Jack Johnson have recommended David E. Chardavoyne as the new Chief Executive Officer/General Manager of the Washington Suburban Sanitary commission.

Mr. Chardavoyne has an extensive background in public utility management, and I’m confident that he will bring the creativity and leadership needed to deal with our aging infrastructure and economic challenges.

As chair of the committee tasked with overseeing the water and sewer agency, I have been an outspoken critic of recent failures by WSSC. In particular, I have chided the agency for its failure to appoint a permanent general manager, saying that the stalemate has contributed to public health and safety risks.

I’m pleased that the two county executives have stepped to the plate on this issue. They have made an excellent first step in moving the WSSC forward. Now let’s get to work on reducing the number of water main breaks and leaks.

Post Covers WSSC Stimulus Share

“As of yesterday morning, the utility that oversees the crumbling water system in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties wasn’t going to receive a dime in federal stimulus grants because the state had decided the two Washington suburbs were too wealthy….” I was shocked to hear this news. You can read the entire Washington Post article here.