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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Message from the General Manager and CEO 1

Where Your Water Comes From 2

Service Area 3

Impacts on Water Quality 4

How and Why We Test Your Drinking Water 6

Hero in a Lab Coat 6

Water Treatment Process 7

2023 Water Quality Results 8

Detected Regulated Contaminants 9

Detected Unregulated Contaminants 12

The Problem with PFAS 12

Sampling Isn’t Simple 13

Advocating for Federal Funding 14

A Smart One Water Vision 15

Bioenergy Benefits 16

Pioneering Water Leader 17

MESSAGE FROM THE Dear Valued Customer,
GENERAL MANAGER AND CEO
I’m fully immersed in my second year as General Manager and CEO of this nationally
recognized water and wastewater utility, and my commitment to provide stellar service to
you remains as strong as ever.

Some might call it remarkable that WSSC Water has achieved 106 years without a drinking
water quality violation. But in leading and working alongside the exceptional men and women
of WSSC Water - we proudly call ourselves Team H2O - I see the passion and commitment
our workforce has toward their work and you, our customers. So, it’s no surprise that
we continue to deliver high-quality drinking water to the residents and businesses of
Montgomery and Prince George’s counties and safely return clean water to the environment.
However, it is not an easy task.

We are relentless about safety, service, reliability and affordability. We are also laser-focused
on integrating diversity, equity, inclusion and environmental justice in all we do. As an anchor
institution, we recognize that our work is a building block that uplifts communities, and we
are committed to ensuring that a rising tide lifts all boats.

The efforts of Team H2O are reflected on the pages of this water quality report, which
outlines the measures taken to deliver clean water to your homes and businesses 24/7/365.
It also details the state and federal regulations we must meet to keep your water safe. That
includes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed regulations addressing
emerging contaminants like Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and ensuring your
water is safe from lead and copper.

As this report details, we are proactive about our PFAS testing, and results indicate very
low levels of PFAS in our drinking water. Similarly, the results of our latest round of lead and
copper testing from homes throughout our service area are well below action levels set by
the EPA.

Despite our exceptional track record of water quality excellence, we are not resting on
our laurels. Team H2O remains committed to delivering safe, clean water. Our passion and
purpose make that a priority, and we’re happy to share it with you.

Yours in service,

Kishia L. Powell
General Manager and CEO

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WHERE YOUR WATER
COMES FROM

We draw the water we treat from two sources: the Patuxent and Inorganic contaminants
Potomac rivers. On the Patuxent River, we operate and maintain two Salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from
reservoirs — Triadelphia and T. Howard Duckett. Our Patuxent Water urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater
Filtration Plant (WFP) draws water from the Duckett Reservoir and discharges, mining, farming or winter road treatments.
produces approximately 60 million gallons per day (MGD). Our Potomac
WFP draws water straight from the Potomac River, producing between Pesticides and herbicides
100 and 120 MGD. Chemical substances resulting from a variety of sources, such as
agricultural and urban stormwater runoff, golf courses or residential
Starting at the Source and urban lands/uses.
As water travels over the land’s surface or through the ground, it
dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive Organic chemical contaminants
material. It can also pick up substances resulting from human activity and Substances including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which
the presence of animals. Contaminants may include the following: are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production,
and also may come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff and
Microbial contaminants septic systems.
Viruses, bacteria and other microbes that may come from sewage
treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations and Radioactive contaminants
wildlife. Substances that can be naturally occurring or the result of mining
activities.

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 SERVICE AREA

PATUXENT
Damascus RIVER

MONTGOMERY
COUNTY
PATUXENT WFP
Gaithersburg
POTOMAC WFP Laurel Water to Howard
Rockville County when requested
Silver
Spring

POTOMAC PRINCE GEORGE’S

RIVER COUNTY
Bowie

Upper
Marlboro

SERVICE AREAS Accokeek

Potomac Water
Patuxent Water
Blended Water Water to Charles County
when requested
Not Served by WSSC Water
Water Filtration Plant
Water Resource Recovery Facility

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IMPACTS ON Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
In January 2020, WSSC Water voluntarily resumed quarterly testing of its water for 18 PFAS compounds at its
WATER QUALITY Potomac and Patuxent water filtration plants, which provide drinking water to 1.9 million residents in Montgomery
and Prince George’s counties. In September 2022, WSSC Water proactively increased PFAS monitoring from 18 to
29 compounds using the latest EPA testing methods. This proactive measure goes above and beyond federal and state
requirements. Test results, which indicate very low levels of PFAS in our drinking water, are posted here. To view the
results and learn more about PFAS: wsscwater.com/pfas.

In March 2023, the EPA announced proposed Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for
Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and 4 ppt for Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid (PFOS), and a Group Hazard Index for
four additional PFAS compounds. Future regulations would require additional monitoring as well as certain actions
for systems above the MCLs. The EPA scheduled to publish the final MCLs and requirements in 2024. Additional
information about PFAS can be found on the MDE website: mde.maryland.gov/PublicHealth/Pages/PFAS-Landing-
Page.aspx.
Cryptosporidium
Found in surface water throughout the U.S., Cryptosporidium is a microbial pathogen that must be ingested to cause
disease. It may spread through means other than drinking water.

WSSC Water monitored Cryptosporidium for two years (March 2015 through February 2017) and the results show
our source water is not affected. As an extra precaution, we have installed ultraviolet (UV) disinfection at both our
water filtration plants to provide another barrier of protection.

Contaminants and Health Risks

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-
compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ
transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at
risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their healthcare providers.

To ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the EPA prescribes regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants
in water provided by public water systems. Food and Drug Administration regulations establish limits for contaminants
in bottled water, which must provide the same protections for public health.

Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some
contaminants. However, the presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk.
The EPA/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of
infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline
KENYA POLLARD (800-426-4791).
Systems Construction Inspector
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An Informational Statement From the EPA on Lead For more information visit epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/review-
Lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and national-primary-drinking-water-regulation-lead-and-copper.
young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components
associated with service lines and home plumbing. WSSC Water is responsible for Notice of Availability of Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Data
providing high-quality drinking water and removing lead pipes, but cannot control Our testing includes looking at contaminants not currently listed under those
the variety of materials used in plumbing components in your home. required for federal and state review. As part of the Unregulated Contaminant
Monitoring Rule (UCMR) program, we collected quarterly samples from finished
You share the responsibility for protecting yourself and your family from the lead water from our water filtration plants.
in your home plumbing. You can take responsibility by identifying and removing
lead materials within your home plumbing and taking steps to reduce your family’s The detected contaminants of the UCMR5 sampling are listed in this report
risk. Before drinking tap water, flush your pipes for several minutes by running your (page 12). The EPA has not established maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for
tap, taking a shower, or doing laundry or a load of dishes. You can also use a filter these unregulated contaminants, and the human health effects of these contaminants
certified by an American National Standards Institute accredited certifier to reduce at the levels they were found is unclear. WSSC Water began monitoring under
lead in drinking water. UCMR5 in March 2023.

If you are concerned about lead in your water and wish to have your water tested, If you are interested in learning more about the results, contact us at 301-206-4002
contact WSSC Water at 301-206-4002. Information on lead in drinking water, or visit wsscwater.com/ucmr5. More information on UCMR5 is also available at
testing methods and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available at epa. the EPA’s website: https://www.epa.gov/dwucmr/fifth-unregulated-contaminant-
gov/safewater/lead. monitoring-rule.

Does WSSC Water Have any Lead in its Pipes? Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)
WSSC Water completed its latest triennial Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) tap July through October, we monitor our drinking water reservoirs for microscopic
sampling in 2023. Ninety percent of the homes we tested had lead levels less than organisms known as Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae). They usually multiply and
the analytical reporting limit of 2.0 parts per billion (ppb) and well below the EPA’s bloom when the water is warm, stagnant and rich in phosphorous and nitrogen from
Action Level of 15 ppb. Information about WSSC Water lead prevention methods things like fertilizer runoff.
can be found at wsscwater.com/lead.
These blooms can sometimes create toxin levels that are dangerous to people, pets,
In 2005, WSSC Water conducted an aggressive search to find and replace any lead aquatic life and the environment. WSSC Water’s drinking water is not affected and
pipes in its distribution system. These pipes are on public property, owned and continues to meet all Safe Drinking Water Act standards. However, as a precaution,
maintained by WSSC Water. we closely monitor water quality conditions at our Patuxent Water Filtration Plant
and post warning signs along the watershed when concentrations of the algae are
The EPA’s new LCR was formally made effective in December 2021. Originally high. Learn more at wsscwater.com/hab.
published in 1991 to regulate the amount of lead and copper in drinking water,
there have been small updates in the past. This is the first major revision since it was
originally published. Per this revision, the initial requirements call for several steps to
be completed by October 2024.

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HOW AND WHY WE TEST
YOUR DRINKING WATER

Testing is a vital part of our overall water treatment process. Beyond meeting EPA
standards, our testing is just one more step in ensuring our water is always safe, clean and
satisfying.

Water quality is our top priority. That’s why we test water quality at the reservoir, in
the rivers near the point where water enters our filtration system, and from 88 locations
throughout our service area.
At our water quality laboratory, we have chemists, lab analysts and microbiologists who
conduct 500,000 laboratory tests on our water every year.
HERO IN A LAB COAT A then-chemistry
student at
KIMBERLY BRACKETT University of
Laboratory Analyst Maryland Baltimore
She may not be fighting fires or solving County, she turned
crimes, but Laboratory Analyst Kimberly that internship
Brackett feels heroic about her work at into a part-time
WSSC Water. summer job for
three years while
“I see it as similar to the medical field. in school. She also changed her major to
We’re protecting nearly two million environmental science because she was
customers,” Kimberly says of the 500,000 concerned about the environment and
water and wastewater samples they test climate change.
each year to ensure safe, reliable water
flows from your tap. The out-of-classroom, hands-on
experience made an impact. When a
She’s also proud to work in a state-of-the- laboratory analyst position opened as she
art lab with its highly precise instruments – graduated, Kimberly applied for and got the
“some of the best in the field,” she adds. job. Three years later, she’s still thrilled to
be making a difference. “It’s never boring
Kimberly’s lab career began in 2017 when here,” she says. “We’re always on the go.”
she landed a summer internship.

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 1. Coagulation/Flocculation - Raw water is drawn into 4. Disinfection and other treatment - Chlorine is added
mixing basins at our filtration plants, where we add alum and to disinfect and any pathogens in the water are inactivated
polymer. This process causes small particles to stick to one with UV light, rendering the microorganisms harmless to
another, forming larger particles. humans. Additional chemicals such as orthophosphate, lime
2. Sedimentation - Over time, the now larger particles and fluoride are also added for corrosion control and dental
WATER TREATMENT become heavy enough to settle to the bottom of a basin protection.
PROCESS from which sediment is removed. 5. Water Storage - Corrosion control chemicals are added
3. Filtration - The remaining fine particles, along with many to the finished water, which is sent to elevated tanks for
microorganisms, are filtered out as water flows through the storage and to ensure enough supply is available during
levels of the filter. high-demand periods. From these tanks, water is sent to
customers for drinking, cooking, cleaning and other uses.

Treatment
Chemicals

Coagulation &
Raw Water Flocculation Basin Sedimentation Basin

Corrosion
Control Disinfection

Water Storage Tanks Finished Water Tanks Filtration

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2023 WATER
QUALITY RESULTS

How to Read the Water Quality Data Tables on the Next Four Pages:
The EPA establishes the safe drinking water regulations that limit the amount of contaminants allowed in drinking water. The tables show the concentrations of detected
substances compared to regulatory limits. The results in the tables were collected during 2023. Typical sources are shown for each contaminant.
Terms Defined
MCLG - Maximum Contaminant Level Goal. The level of a contaminant in drinking water below
which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety and are non- n/d - not detected
enforceable public health goals. n/a - not applicable
MCL - Maximum Contaminant Level. The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking = equals
water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology. < less than detected limits
TT - Treatment Technique. A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking * Based on yearly average except as noted
water. mg/L - milligrams per liter, equal to parts per million (ppm).
AL - Action Level. The concentration of a contaminant that, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other The equivalent of one minute in 2 years or one penny in
requirements that a water system must follow. $10,000.
MRDL - Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level. The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking µg/L - micrograms per liter, equal to parts per billion (ppb).
water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial The equivalent of one minute in 2,000 years or one penny in
contaminants. $10 million.
MRDLG - Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal. The level of a drinking water disinfectant below ng/L - nanograms per liter, equal to parts per trillion (ppt).
which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of The equivalent of one minute in 2 million years or one penny
disinfectants to control microbial contamination. in $10 billion.
Turbidity - A measure of the cloudiness of the water. We monitor it because it is a good indicator of the pCi/L - picocuries per liter (a measure of radiation).
effectiveness of our treatment process.
NTU - Nephelometric Turbidity Unit. The level of sediments suspended in the water.
Definitions
1
- Filtered water, maximum of measurements taken every 15 minutes. 8
- Highest locational running annual average (LRAA).
2
- EPA considers 50 pCi/L to be the level of concern for beta particles. 9
- Maximum contaminant level based on LRAA.
3
- Most recent required sampling, between June and September 2020. 10
- Unregulated contaminants were monitored in accordance to EPA’s 5th cycle of
4
- If more than 10% of sites exceed action level, system is required to take additional Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5). For full results please visit:
steps to control corrosiveness of their water. https://www.wsscwater.com/ucmr5
5
- Highest running annual average (RAA). 11
- Routine and repeat samples are total coliform-positive and either E. coli positive
6
- All samples deemed to have detectable disinfectant residual. or system fails to take repeat samples following E. coli positive routine sample or
7
- Maximum residual disinfectant level (MRDL), the highest level of a disinfectant system fails to analyze total coliform-positive repeat sample for E. coli.
allowed in drinking water; based on a RAA.

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DETECTED REGULATED
CONTAMINANTS

Patuxent Tap Potomac Tap

MCL Major Source in
Substance Units MCLG Violation
Level Level (or TT) Drinking Water
Range Range
Found Found
METALS
Discharge of drilling wastes
Barium mg/L 0.03 0.02-0.03 0.04 0.02-0.04 2 2 No & metal refineries; erosion of
natural deposits
INORGANIC CONTAMINANTS
Water additive which promotes
Fluoride mg/L 0.8 0.5-0.8 0.8 0.7-0.8 4 4 No strong teeth; erosion of natural
deposits
Runoff from fertilizer use;
leaching from septic tanks,
Nitrate mg/L 1.4 0.3-1.4 2.3 0.2-2.3 10 10 No
sewage; erosion of natural
deposits

MICROBIAL CONTAMINANTS
Turbidity NTU 0.03 0.02-0.091 0.04 0.02-0.311 TT=1 NTU n/a No Soil runoff

% <0.3 NTU 100% n/a 100% n/a TT=95% min n/a No

Water additive used to control

Residual chlorine mg/L met TT requirements met TT requirements TT>=0.2 n/a No
microbes
TT=99.99%
Viruses n/a met TT requirements met TT requirements 0 No Human and animal fecal waste
removal
TT=99.9%
Giardia lamblia n/a met TT requirements met TT requirements 0 No Human and animal fecal waste
removal
TT=99%
Cryptosporidium n/a met TT requirements met TT requirements 0 No Human and animal fecal waste
removal

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DETECTED REGULATED
CONTAMINANTS

Patuxent Tap Potomac Tap

MCL Major Source in
Substance Units MCLG Violation
Level Level (or TT) Drinking Water
Range Range
Found Found
DISINFECTION BYPRODUCT (DBP) PRECURSOR
Naturally present in the
Total Organic Carbon n/a met TT requirements met TT requirements TT n/a No
environment

RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINANTS

Gross Alpha pCi/L n/d n/d - n/d 2.1 n/d - 2.1 15 0 No Erosion of natural deposits

Decay of natural and man-made

Gross Beta pCi/L 5.9 n/d - 5.9 5.9 n/d - 5.9 502 0 No
deposits

Radium 228 pCi/L 0.3 n/d - 0.3 0.4 n/d - 0.4 53 03 No Erosion of natural deposits

Customer Tap3 MCL

MCLG Major Source in
Substance Units (or TT or Violation
(or MRDLG) Drinking Water
90th Percentile4 # of Sites Above AL MRDL)

METALS
Corrosion of household
Copper mg/L 0.12 0 of 69 sites 1.3 1.3 No
plumbing systems
Corrosion of household
Lead µg/L <2.0 0 of 69 sites 154 0 No
plumbing systems

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DETECTED REGULATED
CONTAMINANTS

Distribution System MCL

MCLG Major Source in
Substance Units (or TT or Violation
(or MRDLG) Drinking Water
Level Found* Range MRDL)

BACTERIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS
% Positive per Naturally present in the
Total Coliform 0.15 0 - 0.50 TT 0 No
month environment

No. of E. coli Positive Samples Count 2 0-1 011 0 No Human and animal fecal waste

DISINFECTANT & DBPs

Water additive used to control
Residual Chlorine mg/L 1.215 0.09 - 3.06 4.07 4.07 No
microbes
By-product of drinking water
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) µg/L 468 19 - 62 609 n/a No
chlorination
By-product of drinking water
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) µg/L 688 16 - 104 809 n/a No
chlorination

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DETECTED UNREGULATED
CONTAMINANTS

Patuxent Tap Potomac Tap

MCL Major Source in
Substance Units MCLG Violation
Level Level (or TT) Drinking Water
Range Range
Found* Found*
METALS

Sodium mg/L 12 10 - 13 18 4 - 28 n/a n/a n/a

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)

Consumer and industrial

PFPeA ng/L n/d n/d - n/d 6.05 5.4 - 6.7 n/a n/a n/a
products

Consumer and industrial

PFHxA ng/L n/d n/d - n/d 4.65 4.5 - 4.8 n/a n/a n/a
products

THE PROBLEM WITH PFAS

On March 14, 2023, the EPA proposed new regulations impacting six types of PFAS WSSC Water filed a lawsuit in August 2023 against nearly 20 companies that
in drinking water. While the measured amount of PFAS in WSSC Water’s drinking knowingly polluted the environment with per- and PFAS, also known as “forever
water is low and complies with these proposed regulatory requirements, additional chemicals.” The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the District
water treatment may be needed to maintain an adequate margin of safety and of Maryland (Southern Division), was brought against 3M, Dupont, Chemours
manage future compliance. The cost of making treatment changes to meet the new and others for manufacturing fire-suppression foams, which contain PFAS, and
proposed regulations and potential future PFAS rules affecting wastewater products concealing the toxic nature of the materials from the public.
could be substantial.
PFAS are compounds that do not easily break down and end up in drinking water
“We support the EPA’s efforts to safeguard public drinking water supplies by supplies and wastewater. The lawsuit seeks to hold these companies financially
addressing emerging contaminants like PFAS compounds,” said GM/CEO Kishia responsible for any past, present and future water and wastewater treatment
L. Powell in her statement on the EPA’s proposed regulations. “We don’t want changes as they profited from selling products they knew contained these dangerous
these manmade compounds in our drinking water supplies, and if treatment process substances.
changes are necessary to meet these new regulations, rest assured, we will make
them. But the significant costs of upgrading our facilities should not be passed on to
our customers.”
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 SAMPLING ISN’T SIMPLE

BRYAN CRAMPTON
Water Quality Specialist
Bryan routinely goes into the field to test Samplers can’t get breakfast on the run like
for PFAS in the water distribution system. many people do because plastic packaging
While he describes his job simply as “putting contains PFAS. Stopping for coffee is a no-
water in a cup,” far more goes into the no if the cup is plastic. They also can’t touch
preparation for PFAS testing. the single-serving pods if making coffee
themselves.
Samplers, like Bryan, must be perfect in
their movements for five to ten minutes Once they collect the sample, they cannot
while sampling, but also for days in advance. use a clipboard — or a pen with gel ink
Because PFAS are in so many everyday — to complete the chain-of-command
products, samplers must be cautious to paperwork. Says Bryan, “It has to be a
avoid PFAS in their clothing, personal ballpoint pen, so anytime I come across
hygiene products, plastic packaging and rain one, I stow it away.”
gear, among other things.
“It’s a lot to go through, but I take the job
“There’s a long list of things we cannot seriously,” says Bryan. “I recognize how
do, starting the night before and up until important this work is to WSSC Water and
the time we are sampling,” says Bryan. the public. There are huge consequences if
“We cannot use shampoo, deodorant or it’s not done properly.”
toothpaste because those items contain
PFAS. We can’t use fabric softener, so I So, the next time you reach for a
try to avoid it for the week leading up to convenient plastic coffee cup or can’t find
sampling days. Even our clothing needs to your ballpoint pen, think of Bryan and his
be cotton.” colleagues -- and PFAS.

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ADVOCATING FOR
FEDERAL FUNDING

In 1977, the federal government invested 65 percent of all capital spending on Investments in water infrastructure protect public health, enhance economic
water infrastructure. Four decades later, that figure is now below 10 percent. growth, safeguard our environment, drive equity and environmental justice and
create jobs. For every $1 million invested in water, 15-18 jobs are created. It’s
The passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law made us all hopeful time to invest in water, an investment in healthy communities.
that the historic funding levels would unlock the ability to ramp up required
investments. And it will help. WSSC Water will receive just over $105 million in
State/Federal funds in the coming year for several projects.

But the reality is that the single largest-ever investment in

water infrastructure in the history of the United States is a
drop in the bucket compared to the funding required to meet
the infrastructure investment needs of WSSC Water and the
entire water sector. Historic decreases in federal funding,
coupled with aging infrastructure, climate change, cyber
threats and addressing emerging contaminants—like PFAS—
widen the funding gap.

The challenge facing the entire water sector is balancing

affordability with the need to invest in critical infrastructure.
It has become unsustainable to continue raising rates on our
customers.

That is why General Manager and CEO Kishia L. Powell joined

other water-sector partners in advocating for higher funding
levels before the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment
and Public Works. General Manager Powell also advocated
for creating a permanent Low Income Household Water
Assistance Program to assist our most vulnerable customers.

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14
A SMART ONE WATER VISION

At WSSC Water, we believe in Smart One Water, an integrated

and holistic approach to water management. It recognizes that all
water sources, including drinking water, stormwater, wastewater
and other types, are interconnected parts of a single, integrated
water cycle. Smart One Water promotes sustainable, resilient
and inclusive water management practices that consider the entire
water system, from source to tap and beyond.

To further this mission, we also strive to operate as a Smart

One Water utility, applying advanced technology, data analytics
and intelligent systems to enhance water resource management,
distribution and conservation. Smart One Water integrates
advanced meter technology, communication networks and data
analytics to monitor and optimize water-related processes. Smart
One Water systems aim to improve efficiency, reduce water
waste, and provide real-time information for better decision-
making in water management.

The Smart One Water concept aligns with the broader goals of
sustainable water use, conservation and effective management to
ensure the availability of clean water in an equitable, affordable
manner for current and future generations.

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BIOENERGY BENEFITS

PISCATAWAY BIOENERGY PROJECT

A perfect example of achieving a Smart One Water future
is the Piscataway Bioenergy Facility in Accokeek, MD. The
innovative facility will transform how WSSC Water handles
biosolids, the nutrient-rich organic material resulting from
wastewater treatment. Maryland’s largest water utility currently
produces about 8,000 tons of biosolids monthly. Once
construction of the bioenergy facility is complete, all biosolids
from WSSC Water’s six water resource recovery facilities will
be delivered to the new plant.

Through advanced technology, the amount of biosolids left

over from the new treatment process will be significantly
reduced and cleaner (Class A). The significantly cleaner
biosolids can be sold and distributed as a soil amendment.
Additionally, the state-of-the-art digestion process creating
these Class-A biosolids will generate methane gas, which will
be captured and upgraded on site to Renewable Natural Gas
(RNG).

WSSC Water recently entered into a five-year agreement with

Montgomery County to sell the RNG to power their Ride On
buses. The agreement will generate an estimated $700,000 per
year in revenue for WSSC Water while reducing the utility’s
greenhouse gas emissions.

The Piscataway Bioenergy Facility will also save our customers

more than $3.4 million annually by reducing operating costs.
Completing this innovative project will reduce WSSC Water’s
greenhouse emissions by 13 percent, complementing existing
strategies to reduce our carbon footprint.

Construction of the $271 million facility began in the spring of

2019 and is expected to be substantially complete by fall 2024.

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16
PIONEERING WATER LEADER

CAROLINE NGUYEN
Principal Scientist
It will take an entire cohesive and dedicated team to lead
our Smart One Water effort—professionals who represent
our organization and embody the idea of Smart One Water.
These members of Team H2O represent WSSC Water’s work
from source to tap, toilet bowl to stream, and everything in
between.

However, a team needs a leader, and Dr. Caroline Nguyen, a

Principal Scientist in the Office of Innovation and Research, has
been selected for this role. She is passionate about protecting
public health and water quality and enjoys actively engaging
frontline colleagues and the rest of Team H2O, valuing their
insights and expertise.

Carolyn has also built strong partnerships with top universities

and industry leaders. She has an excellent track record of
securing competitive external grants (e.g., Department
of Energy, National Science Foundation, Water Research
Foundation). In her 12 years at WSSC Water, she has worked
on projects spanning source water protection, treatment
optimization and sustainability initiatives.

“While numerous Smart One Water initiatives are in progress,

we can do more. I’m excited to collaborate with our diverse
group, each person contributing their unique strengths and
expertise. Together with Team H2O and our community,
we’ll lead a holistic approach to resilient, reliable water
management,” says Caroline. “By seamlessly integrating data-
driven tools, innovation and technology, we’re tackling our
challenges and ensuring a sustainable and equitable future.”

Caroline and the rest of the team recognize the importance

of striving to embrace new trends and technologies and are
excited by the opportunity to expand Smart One Water to
another level.

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17
CONNECT WITH US

Stay Informed
WSSC Water Commissioners hold monthly meetings,
which are open to the public and typically take place the
third Wednesday of each month, beginning at 10 a.m.
Meetings are held virtually or at the
WSSC Water Support Center
14501 Sweitzer Lane
Laurel, MD 20707

Visit wsscwater.com or contact the

Corporate Secretary’s Office at 301-206-8200
to confirm meeting times and locations.
Contact Information
Customer Service 301-206-4001
Weekdays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
customerservice@wsscwater.com

Water/Sewer Emergencies/Water Testing

301-206-4002
24/7/365
emergencycallcenter@wsscwater.com
The 2023 Water Quality Report is available
for download at wsscwater.com/wqr. This report contains very important information
about your drinking water. Please find someone
Call 301-206-8100 or send an email to to translate it for you, or speak to someone who
communications@wsscwater.com to request understands.
a printed copy.
Ce rapport contient des informations très 这份报告包含有关您的饮
importantes sur votre eau potable. Demandez à 用水的十分重要的信息。
quelqu’un de vous le traduire ou adressez-vous à 请找人帮您翻译报告的内容或找
une personne capable de le comprendre. 了解报告内容的人交谈。

Ìjábọ̀ yii ní ifitonileti tí ó ṣe pataki pupọ nipa omi 이 보고서에는 여러분이 마시는 물에 대한

tí o nmu. Jọwọ wá ẹnikan lati túmọ̀ rẹ̀ fún ọ tabi 아주 중요한 정보가 포함되어 있습니다. 이

kí o bá ẹnikan tí ó yé sọrọ. 보고서를 번역해 줄 사람을 찾아보거나 그

WSSCWater WSSCWaterNews WSSCWater WSSCWater WSSCVideos 내용을 잘 아는 사람에게 물어보십시오.

2023 Water Quality Report

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