Water restrictions lifted for 200,000 in Maryland

A replacement water pipe sits at the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission sight were workers are removing dirt from around a defective 4-1/2 water main in District Heights, Md., Wednesday, July 17, 2013. Officials say at least 200,000 residents could temporarily be without water so that the pipe can be replaced.

Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission workers pump water from a defective 4-1/2 water main in District Heights, Md., Wednesday, July 17, 2013. Officials say at least 200,000 residents could temporarily be without water so that the pipe can be replaced.

A worker waits to distribute one-gallon jugs of water at Friendly High School, main in Fort Washington, Md., Wednesday, July 17, 2013. for residents of Prince Georges County who are affected by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission failing 54-inch water main. Officials say at least 200,000 residents could temporarily be without water so that the pipe can be replaced.

OXON HILL, Maryland — Officials have lifted mandatory water restrictions for some 200,000 residents and businesses in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., as repairs were completed on a failing transmission main.

The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission lifted the restrictions in southern Prince George’s County Friday afternoon. Officials said repairs to the 54-inch main began Tuesday and progressed smoothly.

Commission president Jerry N. Johnson said residents used less water during the restrictions, which began at 9 p.m. Tuesday.

Residents were initially told that water would run out during repairs on the pipe. Temperatures soared above 90 degrees in the region each day during the repairs.