Wastewater Overflow Reported in Upper Marlboro

The excessive rainfall from Tropical Storm Lee has caused sanitary sewer overflows at the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission's wastewater facilities in Upper Marlboro and Fort Washington, according to WSSC information.

The Western Branch Wastewater Treatment Plant, in Upper Marlboro, began overflowing this morning and the water levels at the plant are still rising, officials wrote in a press release.

Also, diluted wastewater is overflowing at the Fort Washington Forest #1 Wastewater Pumping Station at 12800 Monroe Avenue, and at the Broad Creek Wastewater Pumping Station in Fort Washington. Those overflows began yesterday.

"At this time, there are no estimates on the amount of diluted wastewater that has spilled," according to the press release. "The pumping stations have not lost power and all pumps are fully operational. However, the extremely heavy rainfall has caused the facilities to exceed capacity."

The WSSC’s two drinking water filtration plants remain fully operational and are not affected. Therefore, the water in Prince George's and Montgomery counties are safe to drink, WSSC officials said.

Notifications have been made to the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Prince George’s County Health Department. WSSC crews will clear any debris in the area and signs will be posted warning citizens to avoid the overflow area.

Call 301-206-4002 or 1-800-828-6439 to report water or sewer emergencies in Prince George's or Montgomery counties.