GLWA Statement on 120-Inch Water Main Break in Port Huron

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 13, 2022

 

Media Contacts:

Molly Young / C: 248-917-2876 / molly.young@fleishman.com

Michelle Zdrodowski / C: 313-618-0552 / michelle.zdrodowski@glwater.org

 

GLWA WORKING TO ISOLATE BREAK ON 120-INCH WATER TRANSMISSION MAIN IN PORT HURON; BOIL WATER ADVISORY BEING ISSUED FOR 23 COMMUNITIES

  • Transmission main is the largest in the regional water distribution system;
  • An estimated 935,000 people in 23 communities, as well as one business in Greenwood and one business in Imlay Township, are potentially impacted;
  • Out of an abundance of caution, a precautionary Boil Water Advisory is being issued for the 23 impacted communities.

 

DETROIT – In the early morning hours of Saturday, August 13, 2022, the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) discovered a leak 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 (see attached map). The 120-inch transmission main is the largest in the regional water distribution system.

Crews have identified the location of the leak, which is approximately one mile west of GLWA’s Lake Huron Water Treatment Facility and are working to isolate the area around it so that repair work can begin. Once the leak is isolated, crews will begin to open emergency connections to other mains in the system to restore some flow to the impacted communities.

Due to changing water pressure levels, and out of an abundance of caution, GLWA is issuing a precautionary Boil Water Advisory for the following communities impacted by the break: the Village of Almont, City of Auburn Hills, Bruce Township, Burtchville Township, Chesterfield Township, Clinton Township, City of Flint, Flint Township, City of Imlay City, Lenox Township, Macomb Township, Mayfield Township, Village of New Haven, Orion Township, City of Pontiac,  City of Rochester, City of Rochester Hills, City of Romeo, Shelby Township, City of Sterling Heights, City of Troy, City of Utica, and Washington Township.

Under this precautionary Boil Water Advisory, residents should not drink the water without boiling it first. Residents must bring all water to a boil for at least one minute and then let it cool before using. Boiled, bottled or disinfected water should be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth, and preparing food until further notice.

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.

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) 926-8102 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.

The Authority will continue to provide updates as they become available.

 

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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.