Amidst Heat Wave, County Shuts Off Water

Temperatures in the DC area are expected to hit the 90s this week, with heat indexes predicted to rise above 100 degrees ... yet Maryland's Prince George's County shut off the water for more than 100,000 people last night. Crews are trying to repair or replace a major water main that's about to fail, and the process could take as long as four days, the Washington Post reports. Residents were warned Monday night, and yesterday people were rushing to buy bottled water and fill up bathtubs and other containers. (Depressing side note: The Post points out residents won't be able to flush their toilets.)

Restaurants and hotels are closing; even firefighters and hospitals were forced to come up with contingency plans, like drawing water from swimming pools if necessary. The most standout quote, from a rep for the county executive: The "economic impact of this event will be the equivalent of a natural disaster hitting the county." (More water shortage stories.)