What we know so far
Oakland County, Mich. – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency and activated the State Emergency Operations Center after a major water main break in Oakland County.
The Great Lakes Water Authority said the 42-inch transmission main broke around 1:30 a.m. Sunday in River Woods Park in Auburn Hills. Officials said it is the same main that was found leaking on May 6.
GLWA said crews had been working to reroute water after the leak was discovered, but the main broke before rerouting could be completed. Officials said isolating the line earlier would have caused water loss within hours in Orion Township and parts of Auburn Hills.
State officials said the emergency declaration allows Michigan to deploy additional resources and allows eligible communities to seek financial assistance.
Areas impacted
The ruptured 42-inch waterline serves several Oakland County communities, including
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Auburn Hills
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Pontiac
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Rochester Hills
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Orion Township
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Lake Orion
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Oakland Township
Officials said Orion Township, Lake Orion and northern Auburn Hills could lose water service entirely.
Boil-water advisories and restrictions
Orion Township
A boil-water advisory remains in effect.
Officials urged residents to restrict water use to essential needs. Nonessential businesses were told to close, and water service to those businesses may be shut off. Officials warned the township’s water tower could be depleted before the end of the day if usage continues.
Rochester Hills
A boil-water advisory remains in effect for a large portion of the city.
Officials asked residents and businesses to limit water use to hydration and basic sanitation and avoid running dishwashers, washing machines or lawn sprinklers.
The city said water pressure has increased near Dutton and Adams roads, but some residents in northwest Rochester Hills and Oakland Township have no flow, and others may only have a trickle.
Auburn Hills
A mandatory boil-water advisory is in effect for areas north of Cross Creek Parkway and University Drive.
The city ordered restricted water use citywide. Some areas north of Taylor Road are relying on a water tower that may not last through repairs. A total burn ban is in effect.
Oakland Township
A boil-water advisory continues for some residents connected to the Rochester Hills water system due to a pressure drop from the break.
Officials said the community’s well system is not impacted. A burn ban is in effect, and no outdoor burning is permitted.
Pontiac
Until repairs are completed, Pontiac residents are asked to avoid outdoor water use to reduce strain on the system. Higher demand can contribute to low water pressure in Pontiac and nearby communities and may reduce water available for firefighting. Residents are urged to limit water use to essential needs only until the break is repaired.
State response
The State Emergency Operations Center was activated at 2 p.m. Sunday, according to the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division.
The governor’s emergency declaration authorizes state resources to support response and recovery efforts.
Water distribution sites
GLWA said water trucks are distributing one-gallon containers at:
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Orion Township: Wildwood Amphitheater, 2700 Joslyn Court
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Auburn Hills: Auburn Hills Department of Public Works, 1500 Brown Road
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Lake Orion: Atwater Park, 426 Atwater Street
Repairs and restoration outlook
Crews and emergency contractors have removed water from the break site and excavated down to the damaged pipe, GLWA said.
Safety measures are being put in place and the broken segment is expected to be removed late Sunday night.
A replacement pipe segment is expected to be installed by the end of the day Tuesday.
The agency said there is still no firm timeline for full restoration, but residents and businesses should prepare to be without water for a minimum of 14 days.
Roads and parks
Squirrel Road in Auburn Hills was temporarily closed due to flooding but has reopened.
River Woods Park will remain closed until repairs are completed.
School closures and district updates
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Orion Township schools and daycares are temporarily closed, township officials said.
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Lake Orion Community Schools are closed through Tuesday.
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Avondale Community Schools are closed Monday, May 11.
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Oakland Community College canceled in-person classes Monday; virtual and hybrid classes will continue.
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Rochester Community Schools plans to remain open Monday and said bottled water will be provided where needed.
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Pontiac School District said Rogers Elementary School will be closed Monday, May 11. All other district buildings will be open and operating on a normal schedule.Â
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