The Charles County Department of Public Works – Utilities is advising the public to avoid contact with local water bodies and standing water. This advisory is a result of heavy sediment and land run-off from the 10+ inches of rain that Charles County has received over the past three days. The potential exists for these water bodies to contain undesirable quantities of fertilizer, sediment, road salts and animal waste.
The public is also asked to notify the Dept. of Public Works at 301-609-7400 if they notice any sewers overflowing or manholes releasing sewage. Rainwater has inundated the County’s sewage collection system and the potential may exist for overflows.
The Dept. of Public Works would like to emphasize that the County’s drinking water supply is not affected by the rain and run-off and is still safe to drink. A water main break in Cliffton, coincident to the heavy rain, is being repaired and water service there will be resumed as soon as possible.
This advisory only applies to natural water bodies such as creeks, rivers, and ponds and also applies to standing water resulting from the heavy rainfall.
Due to this urgent situation, the Dept. of Public Works asks that all non-emergency phone calls be postponed until these conditions improve.
