WSSC Releases Water From Dams

The intense rainfall affecting the region has caused Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) to release water from both the Brighton Dam in Brookeville and the T. Howard Duckett Dam in Laurel.

Release of water from the dams is a precautionary measure to protect the integrity of both structures. These are routine, precautionary actions taken during times when heavy and long-lasting rainfall is predicted.

WSSC continuously monitors the level of the Triadelphia and Rocky Gorge reservoirs. In anticipation of the rainfall, WSSC began lowering the levels of both reservoirs on Monday. This was accomplished by opening release valves and raising the gates that control the flow of water from the dams. WSSC will continuously monitor the levels of the reservoirs and assess the situation even after the rain ends.

There are many rain-swollen tributaries that feed into the reservoirs, even after a rain event is completed.

WSSC has been coordinating with the City of Laurel and other state and local government agencies since weather forecasters warned of potential heavy and enduring rainfall. Laurel officials closed Riverfront Park Path and the MARC commuting lot at the American Legion on Tuesday night. Both remain closed at this time.

The reservoir and dam system along the Patuxent River provides source drinking water for approximately 600,000 of WSSC’s 1.8 million customers. Brighton Dam went into service in 1944 and the T. Howard Duckett Dam went into service in 1954. Brighton Dam created the Triadelphia Reservoir and Duckett Dam created the Rocky Gorge Reservoir.

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