SHELBY TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A major project is underway to repair a massive water main break at 24 Mile and Schoenherr roads in Shelby Township.
Water was shooting up to 6 feet in the air and spewing out thousands of gallons of water each minute on Tuesday.
A boil water advisory is in effect for Shelby Township, Lenox Township and the city of Rochester for at least the next two days. Bottled water has been going fast.
"It's almost all gone, all of the water on the shelves," said Marie Melchior, who lives nearby. "There's just a couple cases left but everybody is out getting it."
Many residents in the area are trying to adjust.
Images: Water main break in Shelby Township
"We have been boiling and boiling, gallons and gallons of water," said Lek Milicaj, of Corner Clock restaurant.
Some businesses have been forced to close. At the Corner Clock, they are doing what the can to stay afloat.
"For the cooks, anything they have to use water for, they're taking it by the gallon, boiling it, pouring it in, putting it in the freezer to make sure it's fresh whenever they need it," Milicaj said. "And they've been doing that all day."
It's was unclear Tuesday night what caused the 36-inch Detroit sewage pipe to break. At the earliest, it will be repaired Thursday.
"I think with the kids it's hard because the kids go to get their own water and stuff and they don't quite understand. For us, that's the hard part, and showers and baths," said Melchior.
The portion of 24 Mile Road between Schoenherr Road and Jewel will remain closed until the area is clear.