FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                        11:00 a.m.

October 03, 2022

UPDATE 21

120-INCH WATER TRANSMISSION MAIN BREAK 

• 120-inch water transmission main returned to service; regional system restored to normal operations
• All requests for limited outdoor water usage lifted
• Final incident report due to EGLE in 30 days 

DETROIT – The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) is providing an update on the August 13 break to the 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.

This past weekend GLWA returned its 120-inch water transmission main back to service and the regional system back to normal operations. This was several days ahead of the previously stated timeline of October 5. With normal operations restored, GLWA is lifting the request that the 23 originally impacted communities limit outdoor water usage.

“On behalf of everyone at GLWA, I want to express my gratitude to our member partner communities and their residents for their collaboration and support as we worked through the complexities of the break on what is the largest pipe in our regional system,” said Suzanne R. Coffey, GLWA Chief Executive Officer. “Although we encountered a number of obstacles along the way, I am so proud of how everyone involved dug-in and used their knowledge, skills and ingenuity to ensure that we made the repair as quickly as possible and kept our focus on protecting the public health.”

A final incident report is due to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) within 30 days. GLWA will post the completed report on its website, once it is submitted to EGLE.

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About the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA)

The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) is the provider-of-choice for drinking water services to nearly 40 percent, and efficient and effective wastewater services to nearly 30 percent, of Michigan’s population. With the Great Lakes as source water, GLWA is uniquely positioned to provide those it serves with water of unquestionable quality. GLWA also has the capacity to extend its services beyond its 88 member partner communities. As part of its commitment to water affordability, the Authority offers a Water Residential Assistance Program to assist low-income households in participating member communities throughout the system. GLWA’s board includes one representative each from Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne counties, two representatives from the city of Detroit, and one appointed by the Michigan governor to represent member partner communities outside of the tri-county area.