Residents in southern Prince George's County continue to face a Boil Water Advisory following a significant water main break that occurred early Tuesday morning.

The advisory, initially affecting areas south of MD 4 (Pennsylvania Avenue), has been expanded to include communities just north and east of MD 4, impacting several hundred thousand customers.

The break, involving a 54-inch diameter water main, was reported around 2:20 a.m. on Tuesday.

As of 4 p.m., WSSC Water crews are working in a wooded area near I-495 and MD 214 to repair the damaged section.

Currently, there is no estimated timeframe for completion.

Local resident Kerry Gilliard shared his experience: "The water pressure got low in our neighborhood. My wife and I woke up and saw an alert on my phone about the boil water advisory. I was like, 'Great...'."

Due to the size of the break, many residents have experienced low water pressure, with some areas having no water at all.

As a precaution, WSSC Water advises all affected customers to boil water for at least one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, washing fruits and vegetables, preparing baby food or formula, making ice, or giving to pets.

Water that has been recently stored or any ice made during this period should be discarded.

Boiled water is not required for bathing, provided it is not consumed.

Boiled water can be stored in a clean container with a cover for future use.

Due to the break, the following Prince George's County schools are closed Tuesday:

Allenwood ES, Andrew Jackson Academy, Arrowhead ES, Avalon ES, Barnaby Manor ES, Benjamin Foulois Creative and Performing Arts, Benjamin Stoddart MS, Bradbury Heights ES, Brandywine ES, Carmody Hills ES, César Chávez Dual Spanish Immersion, CMIT South Charter HS and MS, CMIT South Charter ES, Crossland HS, District Heights ES, Doswell Brooks ES, Drew Freeman MS, Excel Academy PCS, Forestville Technology Distribution Center, Fort Washington Forest ES, Francis Scott Key ES, Francis T. Evans ES, Friendly HS, Friendship Aspire Bowie STEM PCS, Gwynn Park HS, Gwynn Park MS, Highland Park ES, Hillcrest Heights ES, Imagine Andrews PCS, Imagine Foundation PCS, Imagine Lincoln PCS, Imagine Morningside PCS, J. Frank Dent ES, James Madison MS, James Ryder Randall ES, James Ryder Randall ECC, Jessie B. Mason Special Center, John Bayne ES, Longfields ES, Mattaponi ES, Maya Angelou French Immersion, Melwood ES, North Forestville ES, Overlook Spanish Immersion, Oxon Hill HS, Panorama ES, Potomac HS, Princeton ES, Rosaryville ES, Rose Valley Admin Building, Samuel Chase ES, Samuel P. Massie Academy, Skyline Administration Building, Stephen Decatur MS, Suitland ES, Suitland HS, Surrattsville HS, Tanglewood Admin Building, Tayac ES, Valley View ES, Waldon Woods ES, Walker Mill MS, William Beanes ES, William Hall Academy.

The advisory remains in effect due to the loss of pressure in the water system caused by the break, which increases the risk of water contamination.

WSSC Water is actively testing samples from the affected areas to ensure the water is safe for consumption.

Once confirmed, the Boil Water Advisory will be lifted, and customers will be notified.

By the evening, water pressure had been restored across the county.

However, WSSC continued to advise residents to boil their water as a precaution.

They also set up crews to distribute drinking water at two locations in the county.

“We just wanted to make sure we had enough around the house to take care of things," Gilliard said at the Rosecroft Raceway center.

As more snow fell, roads became more difficult for driving, and some residents had trouble getting to the centers.

“I was actually picking up some water from the Clinton location," WUSA9 Weather Watcher Dana Hill told reporters.

“There is a hill before turning into the location, and all the cars got stuck. I was able to manage my way out but never made it to that location.”

In response, WUSA9 sent a crew to bring water to Hill.

They met her and her sons at a gas station in Clinton, ensuring they had the water they needed.

“It's such a blessing! Thank you all so much!" Hill expressed. "I'm so appreciative; I was nervous about not having any water, so thank you all so much.”

Sometimes, all we need is a little help from our neighbors.

For more information and updates, residents are encouraged to follow WSSC Water on social media or check their official channels.

Emergency Contact Information:

For further questions, customers can reach the WSSC Water Emergency Call Center at 301-206-4002.