OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – As thousands of people across Oakland County deal with boil-water advisories and restricted water use, government agencies and neighbors are stepping up to ensure families have access to clean drinking water.
Multiple water distribution sites have been set up where residents can pick up gallon jugs and bottled water.
All day, cars moved through the lines.
In Lake Orion, one family turned their front yard into an informal relief station.
Along Hemingway Road, a handwritten sign reading “Water” with an arrow points drivers to a hose in front of Coleen and Jeff Brunni’s home.
The couple, who are on well water and not affected by the advisories, are inviting community members to fill up any containers they bring.
“We discussed it and thought this might be the best way to give back to the community,” Coleen said.
Coleen said they advertised the free water on social media and plan to keep the sign out as long as it’s needed.
“We understand the township is doing a great job with water distribution; there’s definitely places people can go and pick up jugs of water,” Coleen said. “We just wanted to be another option in case they run out, or there are delays, or anyone feels like they need a more convenient spot for water.”
In Auburn Hills, volunteers loaded cases of water into car trunks as a steady stream of residents passed through that distribution site.
“It’s an inconvenience, but I’m grateful there’s water available,” resident Jill said while waiting in line.
For some, the timing of the water main break has added extra strain.
“I’m in a position right now I never thought I’d be in, where I’m not making the kind of money that I was making, and so right now it’s vital,” said Auburn Hills resident Alisa Scott. “Because I can’t afford everything I want to afford.”
By 6 p.m. Monday (May 11), the site had served over 3,000 gallons of water to residents.