GLWA water main break: Damaged pipe to be removed on Saturday
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (FOX 2) - It's been nearly a week since a water main break affected nearly a million residents in Southeast Michigan last weekend and, on Saturday, a week after it originally broke, the damaged pipe is expected to be removed by a crane.
The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) said on Friday that crews will begin cutting the damaged section out with the expectation that they can remove the 120-inch pipe on Saturday.
The GLWA which oversees much of Metro Detroit's regional water systems, the suspensions will likely last until the pipeline is up and running again. That is not expected to be done until Sept. 3.
The cause of the break is still not known but the pipe is a main connection to dozens of communities. When it broke, almost 1 million people were put under boil advisories. That number has been lowered to 133,000 in seven communities: Almont, Bruce Township, Burtchville Township, Imlay City, the east side of Rochester, Shelby Township and Washington Township. Both Sterling Heights and Troy are suspending all outdoor watering until further notice.
On Friday, the GLWA is sending its three water trucks to the Eastern Michigan State Fairgrounds in Imlay City today from 10 a.m. through noon, where they will be giving out one-gallon containers of water.
Washington Township is also handing out bottled water to residents at Gilcher-Crissman Park on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The park is at 6491 29 Mile Road and water will be handed out while supplies last. I.D. is required.
Metro Detroit communities affected by water main break
Almont
- Under boil advisory
- Water distribution event being held at 817 N. Main Street from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7
- Verification of residency needed
- More information can be found here
Bruce Township
- Under boil advisory
- Water distribution event being held every day at Fire Station 1 at 223 E. Gates Street
- More information can be found here
Burtchville Township
- Under boil advisory
- Water distribution event being held at fire department at 4000 Burtch Rd
- More information can be found here
Imlay City
- Under boil advisory
- Water distribution at Eastern Michigan Fairgrounds at 195 Midway from 6 p.m. to 8
- Officials will check IDs at the gate
- More information can be found here
Rochester (east side)
- Under boil advisory
- Water distribution for residents from the east side of Rochester can go to the fire department at 2777 E Second or the Police Department at 400 Sixth Street
- Residents should bring their own containers
- Outside irrigation and sprinklers are banned
- Water delivery for homebound residents is available. Contact the fire department at (248) 651-4470
- More information can be found here
Shelby Township
- Under boil advisory
- Water distribution events are being held at three locations, depending on what zip code people live in. All distribution events go from 2 p.m. to 7 Zip code 48315 Water supplies can be picked up at 11000 21 Mile Road from 2 to 7 pm Zip code 48316 at Ford Field Central Park at 7460 23 Mile Road Zip Code 48317 at River Bends Park at 4101 River Bends Drive
- Zip code 48315 Water supplies can be picked up at 11000 21 Mile Road from 2 to 7 pm
- Zip code 48316 at Ford Field Central Park at 7460 23 Mile Road
- Zip Code 48317 at River Bends Park at 4101 River Bends Drive
- Meals on Wheels will distribute water to seniors that are enrolled in the program. Those who are not enrolled and cannot make it to one of the events can email the Shelby Township Senior Center at seniors@shelbytwp.org
- More information can be found here
Sterling Heights
- Not under a boil advisory
- Outdoor irrigation and sprinkler use is suspended
- More information can be found here
Troy
- Not under a boil advisory
- Outdoor irrigation and sprinkler use is suspended
Washington Township
- Under boil advisory
- Water distribution event will be held Thursday and Friday at 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Gilcher-Crissman Park at 6491 29 Mile Road while suplies last
- Washington Township will distribute water to seniors who are enrolled in the Meals on Wheels program and SMART transportation services. Please call (586) 752-6543 to be added to list.
- More information can be found here