WSSC crews have swapped out the damaged section of a 96-inch pipe and hope to have all repairs finished by the end of the day Monday -- if they don't hit any unexpected snags.
Even though the pipe is being backfilled and encased in concrete, mandatory water restrictions are still in effect in Montgomery and Prince George's counties.
Crews must slowly refill the pipe with water and test for bacteria. If those tests are OK, they will put the main back in service.
It takes 18 hours to complete sample tests, so the earliest mandatory water use restrictions could be lifted is Tuesday.
WSSC customers have been asked for a 30 percent cut in consumption, but in reality use over the weekend was down about 15 percent.
