DETROIT – Over 150 families have been forced from their homes after a massive water main break sent feet of frigid water rushing across Southwest Detroit in ice.
According to a map from the Great Lakes Water Authority, the 54-inch water main that burst on Monday, Feb. 17, at around 2 a.m. affected residents from Lafayette to Waterman streets.
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The icy incident took 11 different agencies, including firefighters, police, emergency responders, and dive teams from across Metro Detroit, who were on the scene for most of Monday from across Metro Detroit to help ferry homeowners to safety, away from the bone-chilling water.
It took boats and construction trucks to rescue entire families, including 54 adults and 22 children, who were carried to safety after the massive water main break in the area of Beard and Rowan streets.
A team of 80 city employees and community volunteers went door to door to check on families impacted by this water main break and help bring them out if needed.
As many as 200 homes within one square mile of the massive hole in the ground were impacted.
Everyone who was affected by the Southwest Detroit water main break can call 313-774-5261 for assistance with evacuations, repairs, and vehicle issues.
--> What Detroit officials will provide residents impacted by water main break
DWSD Director Gary Brown and his team will lead the recovery effort. The agency and the Great Lakes Water Authority agreed to split the cost of damages not already covered by homeowners insurance, so residents won’t have to worry.
DWSD said will soon provide the method that residents will use to request basement cleaning and other services.
The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department system comprises more than 2,700 miles of water mains.
Over the last six years, the city has committed $100 million annually to address aging infrastructure and maintain its water and sewer systems.
Feb. 18 update
City officials said that outreach efforts will continue Tuesday, Feb. 18, for those impacted by the water main break.
According to the city, there was no significant drop in water pressure in Detroit’s water system on Monday, therefore a boil water advisory was not issued. The drinking water remains safe.
Residents can receive updates during emergencies by joining Detroit Alerts.
