GROSSE POINTE PARK, Mich. – Freezing temperatures are wreaking havoc on Metro Detroit’s infrastructure as crews scramble to respond to multiple water main breaks across several communities.
In Grosse Pointe Park, a water main break on Bedford Street east of Jefferson Avenue turned catastrophic when it shattered a sewer line, forcing water into a homeowner’s basement.
“I turned on the sink, and there was just a trickle coming out. I thought it was a frozen pipe,” Matt Cline said.
Instead, he discovered 26 inches of water flooding his recently renovated basement—the second time it has happened in the last five years.
“Enough is enough, honestly. No one wants to wake up to that, especially on a cold morning like we had,” said Sherette Cline.
The situation extends beyond Grosse Pointe Park.
Eastpointe crews responded to three separate water main breaks on Tuesday:
- Beechwood Avenue north of Nine Mile
- Manchester Avenue west of Gratiot
- Empire Avenue west of Kelly Road
“I turned the water on to start cooking, and the water just didn’t come out,” said Shaniya Cason in Eastpointe. “I wish I had some notice, but I guess you can’t give notice to these things.”
Josh Chafin, Grosse Pointe Park Water Department supervisor, explained that water main breaks are typical during cold snaps.
“It causes a lot of ground shifting with the freezing and thawing and then causes the mains to shift and get spiral cracks,” he said. ‘Tis the season.”
Mount Clemens also reported two water main breaks on Monday, affecting Crest Street and Balmoral Street.
ONGOING REPAIRS AND WARNINGS
While crews have restored water service in most affected areas, repair work continues as teams address damaged infrastructure and prevent potential hazards from water freezing on streets.
With extreme cold expected to continue, officials anticipate more water main breaks could occur across Southeast Michigan. Residents are urged to report any signs of water main breaks to their local authorities immediately.