FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                        10:00 a.m.

September 19, 2022

UPDATE 19

120-INCH WATER TRANSMISSION MAIN BREAK

• Flushing and disinfection process of the 120-inch water transmission main is ongoing
• Due to the size and length of the pipe, the amount of water and the technical nature of the work, the process is taking longer than anticipated
• GLWA now estimates a return to normal operations will take 6-16 days longer than originally thought (October 5)

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.

While the flushing and disinfection of the 120-inch transmission main has been ongoing, due to the size and length of the pipe, as well as the technical nature of the process, GLWA is now expecting that it will take an additional six to 16 days to return the main to normal operations (October 5).

“We want to thank everyone for their patience as we navigate this situation together,” said Suzanne R. Coffey, P.E., Chief Executive Officer, GLWA. “We know that extending the timeframe to return the transmission system back normal operations will further inconvenience all of the communities and their residents, but it is necessary for us to ensure that we complete this repair in a way that safeguards the public health and the system.”

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.