MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WILX) – A massive water main break in Oakland County is raising concerns about aging underground infrastructure across Michigan, including in Mid-Michigan communities.
The 42-inch transmission line ruptured Sunday in Auburn Hills, prompting Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to declare a state of emergency in Oakland County. Communities including Auburn Hills, Orion Township, Lake Orion, and Rochester Hills remain under water restrictions as crews continue repairs.
The Great Lakes Water Authority said crews have removed the damaged section of pipe and are preparing to install a new section of main. Residents are still being urged to limit water use to essential needs.
Massive water main break in Oakland County prompts state of emergency(Great Lakes Water Authority)
Water over the road after 42-inch water main breaks in Oakland County(Great Lakes Water Authority)
In Mid-Michigan, officials say that while the scale of the Oakland County break is unusual, water main failures are common for utilities statewide.
“On average, we have about 20 main breaks a year,” said Dan Opsommer, Deputy Township Manager and Director of Meridian Township Public Works and Engineering. “It’s a recurring issue in every system.”
Opsommer told News 10 aging infrastructure remains one of the biggest challenges facing local water systems.
“All of these assets, whether it’s a water main or a water tower, they all have a finite lifecycle,” Opsommer said, adding that due to this, “they do need to be replaced in order to ensure that they’re functioning properly.”
Oakland County water main break raises concerns about aging infrastructure in Mid-Michigan(WILX)
State Sen. Sarah Anthony said communities continue facing financial pressure while trying to maintain infrastructure systems.
In a statement to News 10, Anthony said “the increase in water infrastructure failures we’re seeing across Michigan is incredibly concerning, but unfortunately not surprising.”
Anthony described these failures as a “financial squeeze.” She added that they’re “working to address that in this year’s budget by locking in stable revenue sharing from the state and providing additional resources for local governments recovering from natural disasters.”
Officials say recovery from the Auburn Hills break could take up to two weeks.
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