Precautionary Boil Water Advisory Lifted for Accokeek and Clinton Areas

The Prince George's County Health Department has been notified that WSSC Water has lifted the Precautionary Boil Water Advisory for customers in the affected areas of Accokeek and Clinton after water quality testing confirmed that the drinking water is safe.

The advisory was issued following a water main break that caused a temporary loss of water pressure, increasing the risk of contamination. Water quality testing has now confirmed that the water is safe to drink.

What Residents Should Do

Before using your tap water, WSSC Water recommends flushing your plumbing system to bring in fresh water from the main.

Please follow these steps:

• Run cold water from each faucet for about 5 minutes, or until the water runs clear.
• Start with faucets on the lowest level of your home and work your way up to the highest level.
• If your refrigerator has a water dispenser, discard the first three full cups of water before using it.
• Throw away any ice made during the advisory and allow the ice maker to make a new batch before using it.

Guidance for Food Service Establishments

Food service establishments may resume normal operations after completing the following steps:

• Flush all water-using fixtures before use.
• Drain and refill water-holding equipment, including hot water heaters, if needed.
• Run each faucet and drinking fountain for at least 1 minute before use.
• Clean and sanitize all food contact surfaces, dishes, utensils, and equipment using approved sanitizing methods.
• Flush, clean, and sanitize ice machines. Discard all ice made during the advisory and the first batch of new ice before resuming use.

Commercial dishwashers using hot water sanitization or approved chemical sanitizers may be used once the system has been properly flushed.  If you have questions about food safety requirements, contact the Prince George's County Health Department Food Protection Program at 301-883-7690 during normal business hours or 240-508-5868 after hours.

The Prince George's County Health Department thanks residents, businesses, and community partners for their patience and cooperation during this precautionary advisory.