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WSSC lifts ‘essential‑use’ water advisory after conservation efforts; council urged residents to reduce salt use
Summary
Council relayed WSSC’s lifting of the essential‑use water request and continued local environmental concerns about road salt and creek salinity.
Friendship Heights officials relayed a WSSC Water advisory and its subsequent lifting, while council members continued to press residents and property managers to reduce salt use that has raised creek salinity.
At the meeting Chair Bobby Pestronk described a WSSC advisory that had urged customers in Montgomery County, including Friendship Heights, to limit water use because of a spike in water‑main breaks and leaks during recent frigid weather. The advisory recommended shorter showers, immediate faucet shutoffs, limiting flushing and postponing dishwasher and washing machine use to preserve system storage and avoid a boil‑water advisory.
The advisory reported an increase in reported breaks and leaks (63 reported at one point, up from 47 the prior day). Pestronk also said the village’s water remained safe to drink at the time of his remarks.
Later in the meeting Community Advisory Committee chair Dan Dozier (reported to the council) read that WSSC had lifted the essential‑use request as of 6:30 p.m.; he attributed the change in part to public conservation efforts.
Separately, Pestronk and residents including Dan Dozier and Council members raised environmental concerns about road salt. Pestronk said he had tested creek salt levels and found “toxic levels” over the prior two weeks, and urged building managers, the golf club’s property manager and residents to use less salt before and after snow events. Dozier and other residents described visible silt in the creek and urged the village to press the golf club about compliance with its discharge permit, saying county officials had already visited the club and advised them the current practice was inadequate. Julian (the village manager) and council members said they will continue to communicate with building owners and county authorities.
No formal action was taken by the council on salt rules at the meeting; council committees have discussed environmental and public safety steps and asked staff to continue outreach and monitoring.
