JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Beginning at 9 p.m. on July 16, Joint Base Andrews will only continue mission-essential operations due to a water outage predicted by the Washington Suburban Sanitation Commission, area's water utility provider.
According to a WSSC news release, a section of a vital 54-inch concrete pipeline appears to be failing, and parts of Prince George's County, including Andrews, may be without water for three to five days while repairs are made.
"While the water outage may present a challenge, the vital missions at Andrews will continue," said Col. Bill Knight, 11th Wing/Joint Base Andrews commander. "I urge our base residents to prepare themselves and I assure you we are doing all we can to minimize the impact the situation. Taking care of our Andrews families is a top priority."
Airmen from the 11th Civil Engineer Squadron are preparing portable, potable water tanks and toilet facilities that will be distributed at various locations throughout the installation, and accessible for personnel working and living on base during the outage.
Many base facilities, to include AAFES facilities and the Commissary, will be closed during this time in order to continue the water restrictions that WSSC has put in place.
All clinic appointments at Malcolm Grow Medical and Surgery Center will be cancelled, but the Emergent Care Center will remain open. Appointments can be rescheduled by calling 1-888-999-1212.
We will continue to maintain a list of closed facilities on our Joint Base Andrews Facebook page, as well as provide a list when it becomes available.
Civilian employees determined to be mission-essential or emergency employees will report to work unless otherwise directed by their supervisor. Non-mission essential civilian employees who are authorized to telework, or have an alternate work schedule need to coordinate with their supervisors. All other non-mission essential civilian employees are encouraged to work with their supervisors to swap a furlough day, or take administrative leave.
Child care will be provided for personnel identified as mission-essential at Child Development Center Three.
A decision as to Thursday's status will be made by the base commander tomorrow afternoon, and normal operations are expected to resume as soon as service is restored.