Mandatory Water Restrictions In Effect For Montgomery & Prince George's Counties

ROCKVILLE, Md. (AP) -- Mandatory water restrictions are now in place in Montgomery and Prince George's Counties after a water main break, and the restrictions could last up to a week.

Officials say the water main break happened Monday at 8 p.m. at the intersection of Connecticut Avenue and Chevy Chase Lake Drive. The break, which happened in a 54-inch water transmission main, resulted in a geyser that shot water approximately 30 feet high.

Officials say business and residential customers should only use water as necessary. That means residents should take shorter showers, limit flushing toilets, put off washing clothing if possible and limit the use of dishwashers.

Violating the water restrictions carries a $500 fine.

Officials say the affected water main went into use in 1980. The break's cause is unknown. Connecticut Avenue is closed in the area.

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