DETROIT – Residents impacted by a water main break that flooded a Southwest Detroit neighborhood will be staying at a hotel, and city officials said uninsured damages will be paid for.
A 54-inch water transmission main from Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) broke in the early hours of Feb. 17, 2025, in the area of Beard and Rowan.
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The impacted area of the main break was from Chatfield to Lafayette and Lewerenz to Solvay.
The water main break impacted at least a square mile, with 150 to 200 homes affected, according to Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) Director Gary Brown.
The 54-inch water transmission main is a steel pipe that was originally built in the 1930s.
The cause of the main break is still not known.
By 12 p.m., the water main was 95% shut off, and flood waters began receding.
City officials are going door to door to check on residents as crews continue to fix the water main.
“I’ve been running DWSD for 10 years now, and we’ve never had a water main break this large in a densely populated neighborhood,” said Brown during a press conference Monday morning.
2 p.m. update
A second press conference was held at 2 p.m. on Monday to provide an update on the water main break.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said 54 adults and 22 children were rescued from the flooding. 12 pets were also rescued, including a rabbit and a chicken.
Duggan said a majority of residents were transported away safely; one resident had to be sent to a local hospital due to difficulty breathing.
According to Duggan, repairs will be made, and GLWA and DWSD will pay for uninsured damages. He said GLWA and DWSD will split-pay the damages 50/50.
“This was a failure of a Detroit built, GLWA maintained, water main,” said Duggan while responding to a question about whether federal agencies were involved. “That’s the truth, and we’re going to fix it.”
For those who lost their cars, the city will be offering Uber services to those who need to go to work. Those who lost their car from the flooding and need transportation can call (313) 774-5261.
Residents who needed to evacuate their homes will be given hotel rooms to stay in until their homes are deemed safe to return, said Duggan. The hotel the residents are staying in is pet friendly, so those who need to evacuate with pets can still stay at the hotel.
If a resident evacuates with a large dog that cannot stay at the provided hotel, the Detroit Animal Shelter can provide shelter for the dog and return them to the resident.
City officials said if residents have any questions or concerns regarding the water main break, they can call (313) 774-5261. The line will soon be operated 24/7. However, during the 2 p.m. press conference, Duggan said the office maintained the line will close at 8 p.m. After Monday, the number will be available all day.
What to do if you were impacted by main break
City officials said residents in the area who need to be escorted from their homes to safety should call 911.
Residents who feel comfortable in their homes and still have power are not required to leave the area at this time. However, Duggan said any residents in the area who feel uncomfortable and unsafe should call 911.
Residents in need of temporary housing or help with cleanup are asked to call (313) 774-5261.
Residents who need assistance with pets are asked to call DACC at (313) 922-DOGS.
Vehicles that were flooded in the main break have been towed to the Detroit Police Department’s 4th precinct, located at 4700 W Fort Street. The police department will waive fees.
Safety tips
DTE advices the following tips to residents experiencing flooding:
- Do not touch electrical equipment if it’s wet or if you’re standing in water.
- Don’t enter a flooded basement until it’s declared safe, especially if there’s a risk of electrical shock.
- If you can do so safely, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent electrical shock.
DTE also provided the following tips to protect your home during a weather or flooding event:
Prepare
- Ensure your sump pump is working correctly and has a battery backup.
- Prevent blockages that could cause water to pool around your foundation by cleaning gutters and downspouts.
- Keep valuables and hazardous materials off the basement floor.
During the weather event
- Watch for any signs of water seeping into your basement.
- Do not touch electrical equipment if it’s wet or if you’re standing in water.
- Follow weather reports and heed any flood watches, warnings or advisories.
Afterwards
- Don’t enter a flooded basement until it’s declared safe, especially if there’s a risk of electrical shock.
- Use gloves, masks, and boots when cleaning up to avoid contact with contaminants.
- For extensive flooding, consider hiring a professional to ensure proper drying and sanitation.
Additional safety tips
- If you can do so safely, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent electrical shock.
- Assume all downed power lines are energized and dangerous. Keep at least 25 feet away and report them to DTE Energy at 1-800-477-4747, on our app or online at outage.dteenergy.com.
- Use portable generators outdoors only and away from windows to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
The city held another press conference at 2 p.m. on Monday regarding the water main break. You can watch it below:
