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During the summer of 1988, peak flows pumped into the Montgomery County high zone exceeded the safe pumping capacity of the three source pumping stations that supply the zone. Safe pumping capacity is defined as the total capacity of a pumping station with its largest pump left in reserve. Leaving the largest pump in reserve is normal practice in the industry to protect the service area supply in the event of a mechanical problem with an in-service pumping unit.

A number of WSSC projects have been programmed to relieve this situation. These include the new Potomac plant high zone pumping station, the Patuxent plant high zone station and transmission mains, the Colesville main zone supply line, and added storage.

For safety purposes, until these projects can be completed, temporary emergency water use restrictions must be imposed during periods of high water demand. (Typically in the summer months, but may be as early as May, and as late as September.) (WOD 90-01)