MARYLAND (DC News Now) -- WSSC Water issued a statement Sunday urging all 1.9 million customers in Prince George's and Montgomery counties to only use water for essential purposes, as the utility has seen a "significant increase" in water main breaks and leaks across the area. The declaration will be in effect until further notice. WSSC Water said that due to the recent frigid temperatures, crews have experienced a significant increase in reports, as water inside pipes is more likely to expand as temperatures drop. As of Sunday afternoon, crews were responding to 47 breaks and leaks. By Sunday night, the number increased to 52. The utility noted that, at this time, water is safe, and there is no need to boil it; however, using water only as necessary, limiting the flushing of toilets and limiting the use of washing machines and dishwashers could prevent a Boil Water Advisory as crews work to make repairs. How to prevent, thaw frozen pipes in winter weather Additional crews and emergency contractors have also been called to search for any unreported breaks/leaks. The utility said that customers may experience delays in repairs, water outages or lower pressure for extended periods as inspectors shut down broken mains before crews arrive to " keep system pressures stable." On WSSC Water's website, alerts were specifically posted for two separate water main breaks, one in the 9000 block of Damascus Road in Damascus and one in the 6000 block of Patterson St. in Riverdale. Customers in the area will lose water as crews repair each main, according to the alerts. Crews repair a broken water main in Riverdale on Sunday. (Dave Leval/DC News Now) In an update Sunday night, WSSC Water spokesperson Luis Maya told DC News Now that crews completed repairs to the water main break in Damascus and that water was restored. However, in Riverdale, repairs are expected to continue through the night, and residents of the Auburn Manor Apartments are experiencing the effects of the break, according to Maya. Officials encourage customers who suspect a water main break or leak (if they see running water or smell chlorine) to call 301-206-4002 or make a report using the WSSC Water Mobile App.