DETROIT – A large chunk of Oakland County remains under a boil water advisory after a water main burst Sunday, May 10.
The 42-inch main was replaced Monday, May 11, but there is still more work to be done. This pipe was installed in 1975 and was supposed to last 100 years. It’s only been about 50 years.
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GLWA is flushing the system, which will likely take until Thursday, and water testing will be done by Sunday or Monday next week. An estimated completion date for the repairs has not yet been set.
---> Oakland County water main break: A rough timeline on repairs
Boil water advisories remain in effect for Orion Township, Rochester Hills, Auburn Hills and Oakland Township.
Residents in Orion Township, Lake Orion, Rochester Hills and Auburn Hills also cannot use water for nonessential activities such as watering lawns, washing cars, running dishwashers or using washing machines.
What you cannot do under boil water advisory
Officials issue drinking water advisories to protect people from potentially harmful germs or chemicals in tap water.
Under a boil water advisory, residents should not drink, brush their teeth, wash dishes, make ice or prepare food with tap water without boiling it first.
Here is a breakdown of the key restrictions:
| Drinking and consumption: | Do not drink tap water directly. Use bottled water for drinking and preparing infant formula. Baby bottles should be sanitized. |
| Food prep: | Do not wash fruits or vegetables with tap water. |
| Ice: | Do not use ice from automatic ice makers. Toss it out. |
| Beverages: | Do not use tap water to make coffee, tea or juice without boiling it first. |
| Pets: | Do not give pets tap water. Give them boiled and cooled water or bottled water instead. |
| Brushing teeth: | Do not use tap water to brush your teeth. |
| Hygiene: | Do not use tap water for brushing teeth or cleaning open wounds. |
Dishwashing: A closer look
Dishwashing requires extra care during a boil water advisory. Do not use your dishwasher unless it has a sanitizing cycle or reaches at least 150 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid washing dishes by hand without a bleach sanitizing solution.
To make a proper sanitizing solution, use a bleach product that contains 8.25% sodium hypochlorite. Mix 1 teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water in a clean basin.
If washing by hand, rinse dishes first, then soak them in the sanitizing solution for at least one minute. Allow dishes to air dry completely before using them again.
If using a dishwasher, run it through the hottest or “sanitize” cycle. After the cycle is complete, soak the dishes in the bleach sanitizing solution -- 1 teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water -- for at least one minute. Let them air dry completely before use.
What is still safe to do
Not everything is off-limits during a boil water advisory. It’s generally safe to wash clothes and water plants, although residents are currently being urged to limit their water use.
Bathing and showering: Tap water can be used for showering, baths and shaving. However, do not swallow water or allow it to get in your eyes, nose or mouth.
Supervise children and individuals with disabilities during bathing to make sure water is not swallowed, and try to minimize bathing time.
Those with recent surgical wounds, compromised immune systems or chronic illnesses may want to use bottled or boiled water for cleansing until the advisory is lifted.
Residential checklist
Oakland County provided a checklist for residents during a boil water advisory. Residents can view it here.