Montgomery Co. Plans To Reopen Restaurants Under Boil Water Advisory

CLICK HERE to view the WSSC's new and updated boil water advisory map.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (WUSA) -- Montgomery County says they will allow restaurants to reopen while the "boil water" advisory remains in effect, provided businesses comply with strict public health precautions.

County Executive Isiah Leggett announced the plan early Wednesday morning following an initial favorable water sample test result from the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) that was released after midnight.

The plan was approved by County Health Officer Dr. Ulder J. Tillman, along with the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene late Tuesday. The requirements agreed upon will apply to food service facilities in areas affected by Sunday night's significant water main break. County officials tell 9 NEWS NOW it is imperative that licensed food service facilities adhear to the strict guidelines or remain closed. The County says they will be conducting random spot checks.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY GUIDELINES FOR RESTAURANTS TO REOPEN.

Establishments inside the beltway or that are served by city of Rockville or Poolesville water systems are exempt from the water woes.

Relief may be in sight for residents of Montgomery County who have been under the boil water advisory since Monday. WSSC officials tell 9 NEWS NOW the first tests of water samples taken following the Boil Water Advisory have been completed. The test results show that all 18 samples taken are negative, which means they showed no signs of harmful bacteria.

The Maryland Department of the Environment requires WSSC to conduct two consecutive sets of all-negative results. The test results of the second set of samples are expected to be available sometime Wednesday evening. If the second round of tests from various locations within the effected area of the county come back negative, the MDE could recommend lifting the Boil Water Advisory.

The Boil Water Advisory was issued as a precaution following last Sunday's break of a 48-inch water main near Muncaster Mill Road and Meadowside Lane in Derwood.