OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – Downtown areas in cities like Lake Orion remained relatively quiet Tuesday as restaurants and other businesses worked out plans to reopen while limiting water use following the 42-inch Oakland County water main break.
Health officials have urged businesses to use disposable cups, plates, and utensils to avoid dishwashers and to bring in supplies, including ice and bottled water, while a boil-water advisory remains in effect in parts of the area.
“We have to get all of our paper plates, our pops, and stuff like that for anyone that wants a beverage, or a cocktail while they’re here. All of our ice is getting imported from an ice company,” said Ryan Lane, a manager at Johnny Black’s Lakehouse.
The Great Lakes Water Authority’s water main burst around 1:30 a.m. Sunday (May 10) at River Woods Park in Auburn Hills.
The pipe was installed in 1975 and was expected to last about 100 years. GLWA CEO Suzanne Coffey said the failure may be tied to a “manufacturing anomaly” affecting a small portion of that type of pipe.
Coffey said a repaired section was installed around 6 p.m. Monday, and by 2 a.m. Tuesday, the line was full of water and back to normal pressure.
She said system flushing is expected to continue through Thursday, with water testing expected to be completed by Sunday or Monday next week.
An estimated completion date for the overall repairs has not been set.
Orion Township Supervisor Chris Barnett reiterated water restrictions, including not running dishwashers, washing machines, or watering plants.
Residents can shower, Barnett said, but should keep showers brief.
Orion Township schools are expected to remain closed through Thursday, May 14.
Officials said some restaurant restrictions have been lifted in affected communities for businesses that use little water, while higher-water-use businesses, such as car washes, remain closed.
Auburn Hills Mayor Eugene Hawkins said the northern portion of Auburn Hills, above University Drive and Cross Creek, remains under a boil-water advisory, while the southern portion is under emergency-use restrictions without a boil advisory.
Rochester Hills is under water restrictions, but not a boil-water advisory.
Restaurants in the area are adapting their service to conserve water.
Johnny Black’s Lakehouse in downtown Lake Orion plans to reopen on Wednesday after closing on Mother’s Day.
Manager Ryan Lane said the restaurant will rely heavily on single-use items and limit dishwashing.
“We’re doing our three-compartment sinks for utensils and stuff, but we’re trying just to use all plastic, all paper,” Lane said.
Johnny Black’s Public House, one of several restaurants in the area owned by the same owner, reopened Tuesday afternoon for dine-in service, using disposable plates, utensils, and drinkware.
The restaurant group is also planning a benefit for tipped employees who have seen business drop.
Lane said the benefit will take place at Cherry Hill Lanes in Clarkston, with details to be announced on the restaurant’s Facebook page.
“We have a lot of servers, and we don’t have weekly paychecks or salaries, so they get paid off their tips, so I’m glad we were able to help them out,” said manager Madison Elock.
At Muldoon’s in Rochester Hills, manager Elizabeth Snook said the bar is operating with bottled drinks, extra sanitation, and limited dishwashing.
“We have nothing but plastic cupware, so we’re reducing our amount of dishes,” Snook said. “We just want to make sure that everyone knows we’re still open, that we’re still serving food, especially.”
Lane thanked customers for their patience and praised local officials for their quick response in helping restaurants reopen.
“What this city and this township has done has been remarkable, and I think everyone that lives in this city really appreciates everyone coming together and getting these stores open so we can have a normal life again,” Lane said.
Updates will be posted by the Oakland County Health Division and local municipalities.