City Asks Residents to Use Water Only for Essential Needs
January 30, 2026
Due to extreme cold weather and a sharp increase in water main breaks and leaks across the region, the City of Rockville is asking residents and businesses to limit water use to essential needs only until further notice.
Drinking water remains safe and no boil water advisory is in effect. However, continued low temperatures are placing strain on the water system and increasing the risk of additional breaks.
Frigid temperatures can cause water mains to crack or burst while also driving higher water use. Together, these factors make it harder to maintain system pressure and keep storage tanks at normal levels. Snow and ice can also slow the identification and repair of leaks.
What Residents Can Do
Using less water now helps protect system reliability and fire protection. Community members are asked to:
- Take shorter showers.
- Turn off faucets promptly.
- Limit toilet flushing when possible.
- Postpone laundry and dishwasher use.
Protect Pipes From Freezing
Cold weather also increases the risk of frozen pipes inside homes. To help prevent freezing, residents may allow a small trickle of water to run from faucets while they are at home and open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing. This uses minimal water and can prevent costly damage.
Crews are actively responding to reported breaks. Residents who see water surfacing in streets, yards or rights of way are encouraged to report it so repairs can be made quickly.
Reducing water use now helps maintain adequate pressure for everyday needs and emergency response. Continued conservation reduces the risk of more serious service impacts.
Customers not served by the city will receive updates and notifications from WSSC Water, which serves about 30% of the City of Rockville. WSSC water restrictions remain in place. Find more information from WSSC Water at wsscwater.com.
To notify the city about a water leak, contact the Department of Public Works on the 24-hour emergency line at 240-314-8567.