Water Was Shut Off While Dishwasher Was Running

The other day I got home from work and started the dishwasher. I ran the faucet first to get the water hot then started the dishwasher as usual.
Some time later I smelled something burning. The dishwasher was in the heat drying cycle.
Thinking that was odd that it had this burning smell I turned it off.
A bit later I turned on the faucet and the water pressure was down to hardly anything.
I called the Water company and told them I had low/next to nothing water pressure. The lady said that's because they're working on the line.
I told her it would be nice if they had informed me before they worked on it and she said it was an emergency.
Fair enough, I guess.
Now my dishwasher isn't drying the dishes and there is no water in the bottom of the dishwasher and it smells like something burning when it gets to the drying cycle.

Is my dishwasher shot? Can it be repaired? Is the Water company liable?
As always, thank you for your help.

 

The line to your dish washer probably connects to a valve under the sink. Turn that valve off and disconnect the line to the dishwaser. Holding a pan to catch any water slowly open the valve. Does water come out?

 

Before I do that- I have water. The dishes are clean when its finished. Does this make a difference in your question? What I'm getting at is, I don't know why you want me to do that so could you explain? Thank you!

 

But you wrote earlier: My answer was to that statement which sounded like you weren't getting water. Yes. Ignore my question.

 

LOL...okay. What I mean to say is there is no water standing in the bottom of the dishwasher. I had read that there always needs to be water in the bottom as that's how it dries the dishes, from the heated water.

 

I'll leave you to the pros when they wake up. Have a good morning.

 

Thank you for your help. You have a good morning too.

 

No......there should be no visible water in the bottom of the tub.

It sounds like there is something on the heating element. It can be food residue or even plastic from something that hit it.

 

Thanks for confirming what I thought PJ. Doesn't make since to try to dry something in a humid environment.

 

There has always been a small amount of standing water in the dishwasher. I was told it needs to be there. And from searching on the internet others say the same thing.
The problem didn't start until the day it had no water to wash the dishes.

 

There may be a small amount of water in the sump......under the center hub but it's not required for the drying cycle.

 

Okay so the dishwasher hasn't been drying properly since that day. Did something get fried? I mean, does it damage the dishwasher running it through a complete cycle with no water? Remember, my dishes got cleaned that day but didn't get dried. Now all I get when it's drying is a burning smell.
Thanks for your help.

 

There is a heating element that is circular shaped and is visible in the lower section of the tub. It is possible that it burned up due to lack of water.

What is the make and model of your dishwasher.

 

I checked online for the part and it can be ordered for $39.
Whirlpool Dishwasher
Model # DU945PWS00

 

I would also get the sealing washers too. They go between element and tub. I always have some spares. They don't always need to be replaced but you don't want the element to leak if they are hard or cracked.

part # 717273

 

Thank you, I appreciate your help.