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Map of communities affected by the water break (photo: Great Lakes Water Authority)
An estimated 935,000 people were affected by a water main break at the Great Lakes Water Authority’s Lake Huron facility.
The GLWA is working to isolate a break in the 120-inch water transmission main; the largest in the regional water distribution system. The leak was found early Saturday morning.
The location of the leak was found to be approximately one mile west of GLWA’s Lake Huron Water Treatment Facility. Crews are working to isolate the area so repairs can begin.
Update: GLWA lowers boil water advisory in 13 communities after water main break
Emergency connections to other networks in the system will be opened once the leak is isolated, the GLWA said.
A precautionary boil water advisory has been issued for the following affected communities:
- The town of Almont
- City of Auburn Hills
- Bruce Township
- Township of Burtchville
- Township of Chesterfield
- Clinton Township
- City of Flint
- Flint Township
- City of Imlay City
- City of Lapeer
- Municipality of Lenox
- Municipality of Macomb
- Township of Mayfield
- Village of New Haven
- Municipality of Orión
- City of Pontiac
- City of Rochester
- City of Rochester Hills
- Township of Shelby
- City of Sterling Heights
- City of Troy
- City of Utica
- Washington Township
As of 3:30 p.m. Saturday, the following communities were removed from the preemptive boil water advisory: Clinton Township, Flint, Flint Township, Rochester Hills, Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Orion Township, Utica, Troy , Sterling Heights and Lapeer.
“Based on further review of GLWA’s water pressure data, it does not appear that the water pressure in these communities fell below the 20 psi threshold to declare a Boil Water Advisory,” GLWA said in a statement.
According to GLWA, the City of Romeo has added to the precautionary boil water advisory.
Residents under a boil water advisory should not drink water without boiling it for at least one minute and then letting it cool, the GLWA said. Boiled, bottled or disinfected water should be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth and preparing food until further notice, according to the advisory.
“Whenever a water system loses pressure for a significant period of time, precautionary measures are recommended as a loss of pressure can lead to bacterial contamination in the water system,” the GLWA said. “Bacteria are generally not harmful and are common throughout our environment. Boiling water before use will kill bacteria and other organisms that may be in the water.”
The cause of the water main break is still under investigation.
Updates will be provided as information becomes available.
For more information, contact the Great Lakes Water Authority Water Quality at waterquality@glwater.org or by calling (313) 926-8192 or (313) 926-8128. General guidelines on ways to reduce the risk of microbial infection are available from EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1(800) 426-4791.
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