DETROIT – About 150 to 200 homes in Southwest Detroit were impacted by a water main break early Monday morning.
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.
City officials said water levels are going down since the main break started, and lines are being shut off.
Todd King from GLWA said emergency construction crews are at the scene to assess the issue.
Crews from the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) are checking manholes and storm drains as water is starting to recede. Once sewer lines are open, he said more water will recede.
The water main break impacted at least a square mile, with 150 to 200 homes affected, according to DWSD Director Gary Brown.
“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.
Water main break isolated
GLWA announced at around 11:30 a.m. on Monday that the water main break had been isolated.
The impacted area of the main break was from Chatfield to Lafayette and Lewerenz to Solvay.
Water levels in the impacted area are receding, according to GLWA.
The 54-inch water transmission main is a steel pipe that was originally built in the 1930s.
What to do if you have been impacted by main break
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, during a press conference Monday morning, said a temporary shelter had been set up for those who have been impacted by the 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 feel uncomfortable and unsafe should call 911.
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.
You can watch the full press conference below:
