OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – A large part of Oakland County is feeling the burden of a water main break Monday morning.
The water main break in northern Oakland County on Sunday, May 10, led Governor Gretchen Whitmer to declare a state of emergency and activate the State Emergency Operations Center.
Here’s everything we know so far about the water main break:
Areas impacted
The ruptured 42-inch waterline serves several Oakland County communities, including
- Auburn Hills
- Pontiac
- Rochester Hills
- Orion Township
- Lake Orion
- Oakland Township
Officials said Orion Township, Lake Orion and northern Auburn Hills could lose water service entirely.
Boil-water advisories and restrictions
Orion Township
A boil-water advisory remains in effect.
Officials urged residents to restrict water use to essential needs. Nonessential businesses were told to close, and water service to those businesses may be shut off. Officials warned the township’s water tower could be depleted soon.
Rochester Hills
A boil-water advisory remains in effect for a large portion of the city.
Officials asked residents and businesses to limit water use to hydration and basic sanitation and avoid running dishwashers, washing machines or lawn sprinklers.
The city said water pressure has increased near Dutton and Adams roads, but some residents in northwest Rochester Hills and Oakland Township have no flow, and others may only have a trickle.
Auburn Hills
A mandatory boil-water advisory is in effect for areas north of Cross Creek Parkway and University Drive.
The city ordered restricted water use citywide. Some areas north of Taylor Road are relying on a water tower that may not last through repairs. A total burn ban is in effect.
Oakland Township
A boil-water advisory continues for some residents connected to the Rochester Hills water system due to a pressure drop from the break.
Officials said the community’s well system is not impacted. A burn ban is in effect, and no outdoor burning is permitted.
Pontiac
Until repairs are completed, Pontiac residents are asked to avoid outdoor water use to reduce strain on the system. Higher demand can contribute to low water pressure in Pontiac and nearby communities and may reduce water available for firefighting. Residents are urged to limit water use to essential needs only until the break is repaired.
What to do in Boil Water Advisory
During a Boil Water Advisory, residents are to do the following:
Drinking water
- Use bottled water. Bottled water is the best option for drinking if it is available.
- Boil water if bottled water is not available.
- Bring water to a rolling boil for one minute.
- Let cool for 15 minutes before drinking.
- Store the cooled water in a clean, sanitized container with a cover.
- Use bottled or boiled water for pets.
Food Preparation & Cooking
- Discard all ice or drinks made with tap water.
- Discard ready-to-eat food that was prepared with water prior to the advisory (e.g., coffee, juice, formula, smoothies, gelatins, and popsicles).
- Use bottled or boiled water for:
- Food and beverage preparation.
- Washing fruits and vegetables.
- Mixing beverages.
- Making ice.
- Preparing baby formula.
- Use disposable plates, cups, and utensils, if possible.
Cleaning and Sanitizing
- Use bottled water or boiled water with bleach (or an equivalent) to clean surfaces.
Dishwashing
If you do not have disposable plates, cups, and utensils, follow these instructions to wash dishes:
By hand:
- Wash and rinse the dishes as normally done using hot water.
- In a separate basin, add 1 teaspoon of unscented household liquid bleach for each gallon of warm water. The bleach label should say that it contains 8.25% of sodium hypochlorite.
- Soak the rinsed dishes in the sanitizer solution for at least 1 minute.
- Let the dishes air dry completely before using again.
By dishwasher:
- Run dishwasher through the hottest or ‘sanitize’ cycle.
- Follow with a sanitizing step, in a clean basin, add 1 teaspoon of unscented household liquid bleach for each gallon of warm water. The bleach label should say that it contains 8.25% of sodium hypochlorite.
- Remove the dishes from the dishwasher and soak in the sanitizer solution for at least 1 minute.
- Let the dishes air dry completely before using again.
Toy Washing & Laundry
- Use bottled water or boiled water to clean washable toys and surfaces.
- Use a hot water rinse cycle and heat-dried on the highest heat setting for 30 minutes to wash:
- Cloth toys
- Dress up clothes
- Laundry
- Discontinue all on-site water play (water activity tables) or swimming activities.
Handwashing & Hygiene
- Faucet water can be used for showering, baths, and shaving, but do not swallow water or allow it to get in eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Supervise children and disabled individuals during their bath to make sure water is not swallowed. Minimize bathing time or use bottled water.
- Note: Though the risk of illness is minimal, individuals who have recent surgical wounds, have compromised immune systems, or have a chronic illness may want to consider using bottled or boiled water for cleansing until the advisory is lifted. Anyone with questions or concerns should contact their healthcare provider.
- Vigorous handwashing for at least 20 seconds with soap and tap water is safe during a boil water advisory.
- Observe children handwashing to ensure soap use and vigorous handwashing occur.
- If soap is not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub to clean hands.
- If washing your hands to prepare food, use boiled (then cooled) water, disinfected water, or bottled water with handwashing soap. Follow up with an alcohol based hand sanitizer.
- Use bottled or boiled water for brushing teeth.
- Use bottled or boiled water for washing cuts, scrapes, or wounds.
- Wear disposable gloves to change diapers.
- Wash hands with soap and water immediately afterwards.
- When you are done washing and drying your hands, use an alcohol based hand-sanitizer and let hands air dry.
State response
The State Emergency Operations Center was activated at 2 p.m. Sunday, according to the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division.
The governor’s emergency declaration authorizes state resources to support response and recovery efforts.
Water distribution sites
GLWA said water trucks are distributing one-gallon containers at:
- Orion Township: Wildwood Amphitheater, 2700 Joslyn Court
- Auburn Hills: Auburn Hills Department of Public Works, 1500 Brown Road
- Lake Orion: Atwater Park, 426 Atwater Street
Repairs and restoration outlook
Crews and emergency contractors have removed water from the break site and excavated down to the damaged pipe, GLWA said.
Safety measures are being put in place, and the broken segment is expected to be removed late Sunday night.
A replacement pipe segment is expected to be installed by the end of the day Tuesday.
The agency said there is still no firm timeline for full restoration, but residents and businesses should prepare for a minimum of 14 days without water.
Roads and parks
Squirrel Road in Auburn Hills was temporarily closed due to flooding, but has reopened.
River Woods Park will remain closed until repairs are completed.
School closures and district updates
- Orion Township schools and daycares are temporarily closed, township officials said.
- Lake Orion Community Schools are closed through Tuesday.
- Avondale Community Schools are closed on Monday, May 11.
- Oakland Community College canceled in-person classes on Monday; virtual and hybrid classes will continue.
- Rochester Community Schools plans to remain open Monday and said bottled water will be provided where needed.
- Pontiac School District said Rogers Elementary School will be closed on Monday, May 11. All other district buildings will be open and operating on a normal schedule.