Update 18: 120-inch Water Transmission Main Break

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                        11:00 a.m.

September 6, 2022

    UPDATE 18
    120-INCH WATER TRANSMISSION MAIN BREAK
    • Transmission main is fully closed
    • Lake Huron Water Treatment Plant begins producing water to fill the 120-inch transmission main; 81 million gallons necessary to fill the 26 miles of main
    • GLWA is working with EGLE to implement a flushing and disinfection plan for the transmission main
    • GLWA expects the filling, flushing, and disinfecting process to take some time
    • Due to the size and length of the transmission main, GLWA estimates a return to normal operations within 15 days (September 21)

    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.

    With the 120-inch transmission main now fully closed, GLWA’s Lake Huron Water Treatment Facility has begun producing the 81 million gallons of water it will take to fill the 26 miles of main. Once the transmission main is filled, GLWA will work with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to implement a flushing and disinfection plan. Due to the size and length of the transmission main, GLWA expects this flushing and disinfection to take some time and is estimating a return to normal operations within 15 days (September 21).

    GLWA will share more information as it becomes available, as well as photos of progress being made at the repair site.

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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.