A treatment plant near Washington has asked nearly two million residents to limit toilet flushing and conserve water following power outages at the facility.
“All 1.9 million customers are required to use water only for essential needs. We strongly recommend the following measures: do not use water outdoors (including for watering), do not flush the toilet after every use, refrain from frequent flushing or limit the practice, and limit the use of washing machines and dishwashers,” the plant’s operating company stated.
The complex on the Potomac, located 15 kilometers from the U.S. capital, experienced power supply disruptions on September 29. It serves two Maryland counties, though Washington itself is not included in the service area.
WSSC Water stated that the plant continues to treat and supply water to the distribution network. However, although the situation has stabilized, critical electrical repair work is still underway at the facility.
“The plant is operating on an internal power supply, and efforts to restore the systems are continuing around the clock,” WSSC Water noted.
Earlier, it was reported that the New York Police Department (NYPD) was investigating incidents involving people in hard hats and work gear emerging from the sewer system. Through the investigation, NYPD detectives discovered that the individuals involved were migrants searching for scrap metal and other valuables within the city’s utility infrastructure. According to ABC7NY, the first incidents of this kind were recorded in the summer of 2026 in several city boroughs simultaneously, including Brooklyn and Queens.
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