5 Macomb County communities under boil water advisory due to water main break

Nour Rahal, Detroit Free Press
Updated ·2 min read

A water main break caused the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) to place several cities in Macomb County under a boil water advisory Tuesday morning.

Just after 6 a.m., a leak on a 36-inch water transmission main on 24 Mile near North Avenue was discovered, according to the GLWA. The leak caused a large drop in water pressure, affecting communities in Chesterfield Township, Lenox Township, Macomb Township, New Haven and Rochester.

GLWA announced that several Macomb County cities are under a boil water advisory, Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, due to a water transmission main leak.
GLWA announced that several Macomb County cities are under a boil water advisory, Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, due to a water transmission main leak.

As of noon, the break on the water transmission main has been isolated and water pressure has returned to the impacted areas by switching them to a 42-inch transmission main that runs parallel to the damaged pipe, according to an update from GLWA. However, the boil water advisory remains in place until testing confirms the water is safe for consumption.

"Barring any unforeseen circumstances, GLWA expects to be able to conduct its first of two rounds of water quality testing this afternoon. Each round of testing takes approximately 24 hours," GLWA said. "Therefore, the soonest the boil water advisory could be lifted by GLWA is 48 hours from when the first test is taken."

GLWA is asking residents under the advisory to continue boiling all water for at least one minute and allow it to cool before use. Boiled, bottled or disinfected water should be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth and preparing food until further updates are provided.

A water main break is pictured near the intersection of 22 Mile Road and Romeo Plank on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023.
A water main break is pictured near the intersection of 22 Mile Road and Romeo Plank on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023.

Precautionary measures are advised whenever a water system experiences a significant loss of pressure, as it can result in bacterial contamination; boiling water before use can eliminate any potential bacteria and organisms present in the water.

The GLWA's water quality team will inform the affected communities when the advisory is lifted.

Here is more information on boil water advisories. To contact the GLWA Water Quality team, call 313-926-8102, 313-926-8128 or email waterquality@glwater.org.

Contact Nour Rahal: nrahal@freepress.com

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Boil water advisory issued for 5 Macomb County communities