Md. water restrictions after storm

Power was cut off to a WSSC plant that supplies 70 percent of the water for Montgomery and Prince George's counties. Authorities asked residents to keep usage to a minimum.

"We're calling for mandatory water restrictions to ensure fire protection and to ensure everyone can have at least a minimum" of water for household use, said a WSSC spokesman.

According to WSSC, water reduction steps include:

• Stop all outside water use – no watering lawns, no washing cars, no topping off swimming pools.

• Use water only as necessary.

• Limit flushing toilets (do not flush after every use).

• Limit using washing machines and dishwashers (wash full loads only).

--Stephanie Lee and Martin Weil