CLAY TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A water main break has caused a complete loss of running water to Harsens Island, officials said.
Residents received a push alert Thursday morning from the St. Clair County Homeland Security and Emergency Management notifying them of the water main break.
“Clay Township/Harsens Island is experiencing a Water Main break causing complete loss of service to Harsens Island. There is no estimated time for repairs. Further information will be disseminated via Clay Township sources including web and social media outlets.”
St. Clair County Homeland Security and Emergency Management
The break is believed to have occurred somewhere in the North Channel, servicing Harsens Island.
Officials tried to determine the location and assess the severity of the break with a diver, but couldn’t due to the windy conditions, according to a release from the township.
They are utilizing an underwater drone to help locate the break.
Clay Township has declared a State of Emergency to get assistance from the state.
Drinking water is being delivered to the Harsens Island Fire Station on La Croix Road, according to the township’s website.
“Residents will need to bring their own containers,” according to the update. “A 2 1/2 gallon box water will be available one per household until a larger delivery is received.”
Sen. Kevin Hertel said in a post on social media that the St. Clair County Emergency Management has deployed 600, 2.5-gallon water jugs to the island.
“Our office will remain engaged with local officials and help to provide any state resources necessary to respond to this incident,” Hertel said.
In a Facebook post, the Harsens Island St. Clair Flats Association said that porta potties are available at Browne’s Field for anyone to use.
The post also instructed residents to fill a five gallon bucket with river water to use to flush their toilets if they can do so.
Harsens Island St. Clair Flats Association is a nonprofit homeowners association on Harsens Island run entirely by volunteers, according to its website.
There is currently no estimated timeframe for repairs, according to the township’s website.