Update 9: 120-inch Water Transmission Main Break and Boil Water Advisory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                        10:00 a.m.

August 20, 2022

  • Precautionary Boil Water Advisory lifted for all seven communities; if significant pressure drops occur in the regional system a precautionary Boil Water Advisory may need to be re-issued
  • Only the business in Greenwood remains under a precautionary Boil Water Advisory
  • Work continues at break site to prepare for delivery of 48-feet of additional 120-inch pipe on Tuesday, August 23; damaged section of pipe being removed by crane this weekend
  • Repair timeline remains at three weeks (September 3)

DETROIT – The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) is providing an update on the precautionary Boil Water Advisory it issued on August 13, as well as the 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.

Because of stabilized system pressures and the completion of water quality testing within the regional transmission and local distribution system in accordance with regulations set forth by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), GLWA is lifting the precautionary Boil Water Advisory, effective immediately, for all seven impacted communities: the Village of Almont, Bruce Township, Burtchville Township, Imlay City, City of Rochester, Shelby Township, and Washington Township and the industrial park in Romeo. Just the one business in Greenwood remains under a precautionary Boil Water Advisory.

Those who have been under the precautionary Boil Water Advisory should take the following steps before using their water now that it has been lifted:

  1. Flush
    • Unscrew and remove the faucet aerator (screen)
    • Turn on each cold water faucet/tap slowly
    • Run cold water for five minutes
    • Clean and reinstall aerator
    • Flush automatic ice makers. Ice cubes made during the Boil Water Advisory should be emptied and the ice maker run through a 24-hour cycle. Make three batches of ice and discard them. The water line should be clear, and ice should be safe to consume with the fourth batch
  1. Clear Hot Water Tanks/Heaters
    • Run hot water only at all faucets and flush until water runs cool or typically a minimum of:
      • 15 minutes for a typical household 40-gallon hot water tank
      • 30 minutes for a hot water tank greater than 40 gallons
  2. Replace Filters
    • Water filters, such as ones used in refrigerators, faucets, pitchers and under the sink, are not designed to remove the specific bacteria potentially present during a Boil Water Advisory. If you ran water through your filter during the Boil Water Advisory, the filter should be replaced.
    • Remove and discard water filters
    • Replace with a new filter following flushing

For a full list of actions for residents and businesses to take after a Boil Water Advisory is lifted, please click HERE.

In the event that the regional water system experiences any significant pressure drops during the repair or the transmission main’s return to service, it is possible that another Boil Water Advisory could need to be issued.

GLWA is still asking all 23 initially impacted communities to limit their outdoor water usage through the completion of the repair. Repair work continues at the site of the break. With the existing pipe stabilized by the pouring of concrete pads, crews will be removing the damaged section by crane this weekend. The repair timeline remains at three weeks.

GLWA is currently investigating the cause of the break. GLWA 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.