Water main break causes neighborhood flooding in southwest Detroit
Hundreds of people woke up Monday morning with several feet of standing water inside and outside their homes in southwest Detroit.
The water main break was reported at about 3:30 a.m. in the area of 1020 Beard Street, but flooding expanded beyond that area, including to North Green Street near Interstate 75. The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) says it suffered a break on a 54-inch water transmission main in the area of Beard and Rowan.
GLWA crews and contractors have isolated the main break. The break was on a steel pipe that officials say was originally built in the 1930s.
Crews are working on rerouting water so residents have access. Water has been restored to a majority of the homes impacted. Gary Brown, Director of Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD), said as much as five feet of water was in the street over the break and it took several hours for crews to find the valves that were covered in snow and ice.
"This was a failure of a Detroit-built, GLWA-maintained water main," Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said.
Duggan said an initial call came in at 2 a.m. to 911 of a large bang and then of water coming in.
GLWA says water levels in the impacted area, which runs from Chatfield on the north to Lafayette on the south to Lewerenz on the east to Solvay on the west are receding.
A Detroit Fire Department spokesman said fire crews used a ladder to help rescue a person from a car in that area. Emergency crews rescued 54 adults, 22 children and 12 pets.
"If you see any flooded streets, please don't pass them. We don't want you getting stuck in the flooded street," said Bryan Peckinpaugh, DWSD spokesperson.
Water main breaks have been a recurring issue across Metro Detroit the past few weeks; with fluctuating temperatures and winter weather stressing the infrastructure.
"Families who do not want to shelter in place are being moved out of their home safely by the fire department," Peckinpaugh said. "We moved a couple families out and took them in a warming bus this morning."
For those residents who are impacted by the floods and without heat and electricity, you can call 313-774-5261. The city has partnered with a hotel to provide housing. Residents are permitted to stay in the hotel until repairs are made to their homes. The hotel is pet-friendly, however, if you have a large animal that is not suitable for the hotel, the Detroit Animal Shelter will house your pet.
The city is also establishing an Uber service for those who have lost their vehicles in the flood. Residents can call 313-774-5261 for assistance.
The cost of any uninsured damage will be covered by the city and GLWA. On Tuesday, DWSD will be going door-to-door to begin the inspection and assessment process.
The Detroit Police Department will tow any stranded vehicles free of charge to its fourth precinct.
If you are experiencing flooding from the water main break, DTE Energy reminds you to not touch electrical equipment if it's wet or if you're standing in water, do not enter a basement until it's safe, especially if there's a risk of electrical shock, and if you can do so safely, turn off electricity at your main breaker or fuse box to prevent electrical shock.
