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GLWA Continues Working to Remove Water Following Break on 54-inch Water Main

GLWA CONTINUES WORKING TO REMOVE WATER FOLLOWING BREAK ON
54-INCH WATER TRANSMISSION MAIN IN SOUTHWEST DETROIT

GLWA crews have worked overnight and are continuing efforts to remove water from the affected area.
Pumps have been placed at the site to expedite water removal

DETROIT – The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) continues its critical role as a part of the broader emergency response to a break on a 54-inch steel water transmission main at Beard and Rowan in Southwest Detroit that occurred in the early morning hours of Monday, February 17, 2025. Crews have been on-site throughout the night and remain actively engaged in repair efforts.
Three pumps have been placed in the area to expedite water removal. Once the water is cleared, site excavation can begin, after which a full assessment of the damaged pipe will be conducted to determine what exactly is required for the repair to occur.
In the interim, GLWA has been in contact with its pipeline supplier to make them aware of the potential pipe needs and the urgency of receiving any replacement pipe segments.

More updates will be provided as they become available.

Residents impacted by the water main break can call (313)774-5261 to be connected to emergency resources through the City of Detroit.

John J. Zech

John J. Zech

Board Vice-Chair; Board Representative for Wayne County

John J. Zech has over 40 years of public service experience, serving in leadership roles with a number of communities across southeast Michigan including the cities of Wayne, Allen Park, Lincoln Park, Plymouth and Southgate.

Mr. Zech is active in the community, currently serving on the St. Mary of Wayne Catholic Church Finance Council and as a member of the Growth Works, Inc. Board of Directors, and previously served on the Board of Directors for the Michigan Municipal League. Zech has earned Life Membership status with the International City Management Association. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Detroit.

He was appointed to the Board ​by Wayne County Executive Warren Evans in March 2020.