SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WXYZ) — The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) says they have restored some water pressure to all counties impacted by Saturday's water main break.
They add that Chesterfield Township, Lenox Township, Mayfield Township, Macomb Township and the City of New Haven are no longer under the authority's Boil Water Advisory.
The remaining communities under the advisory include: the Village of Almont, Bruce Township, Burtchville Township, City of Imlay, City of Rochester, Shelby Township, Washington Township, as well as one business in Greenwood and one business in Imlay Township.
“GLWA understands the real-life impact that this water main break is having on the hundreds of thousands of people in the affected communities and we truly appreciate their patience and understanding as we work to implement the necessary repairs,” said Suzanne R. Coffey, GLWA Chief Executive Officer. “I am grateful for the GLWA team who has been working tirelessly to restore water pressure to all communities and working as quickly as possible to restore service.”
GLWA issued the precautionary Boil Water Advisory on Saturday after it discovered a break on a 120-inch water transmission main that distributes finished drinking water from its Lake Huron Water Treatment Facility to communities in the northern part of GLWA’s drinking water service area. The 120-inch transmission main is the largest in the regional water distribution system.
Crews have identified the location of the break, which is approximately one mile west of GLWA’s Lake Huron Water Treatment Facility and have isolated the area to begin repairs.
GWLA says the estimated time frame to repair and test the water quality of the water will take about two weeks.
Under this Boil Water Advisory, residents should not drink the water without boiling it first. Water must be brought to a boil for at least one minute and then cooled before using or consuming. Until further notice, GLWA advises that boiled, bottled or disinfected water should be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth and preparing food.
“Whenever a water system loses pressure for any significant length of time, precautionary measures are recommended since a loss of pressure can lead to bacterial contamination in the water system. Bacteria are generally not harmful and are common throughout our environment. Boiling water before using it will kill bacteria and other organisms that may be in the water,” said Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA).
“GLWA is currently investigating the cause of the break. The Boil Water Advisory will remain in effect until results from sampling verify the water is safe to drink. GLWA Water Quality will advise the affected communities when the Boil Water Advisory has been lifted.”
For more information, please contact 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 lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1(800) 426-4791.
