ORION TWP. (WWJ) — Water use remains restricted through parts of northern Oakland County after a leaking 42-inch transmission main busted over the weekend.
The good news: officials said water pressure is expected to be back to normal on Thursday, although a boil water advisory will remain in effect for thousands of residents.
The Great Lakes Water Authorities (GLWA) on Wednesday continued to urge residents of Auburn Hills, Orion Township, Lake Orion, Pontiac and Rochester Hills to only use what is necessary, and to boil and cool all water before use.
GLWA officials said it’s expected to cost more than $1 billion to replace all 80 miles of pipe that is similar to the one that broke.
And they’re warning there could be more breaks like this one because of the lack of investment in infrastructure. GLWA CEO Sue Coffey said it’s clear that more funding is needed.
“We all drive over the roads, and they drive us nuts, and we have all kinds of good work being done on the roads,” Coffey said. “Water infrastructure is under the roads, and in many cases it’s older than the roads. And if you all could see it, the way that we see it, you’d understand, and it’s our job to help you to see it.”
“It’s unfortunate that situations like this have to happen to raise that profile.
Water Distribution Centers
Impacted residents can pick up free water again on Wednesday (5/13) from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. at:
Wildwood Amphitheater in Orion TownshipAtwater Park in Lake OrionAuburn Hills Department of Public Works on Brown Rd .Von Maur store parking lot on Adams Rd. in Rochester Hills
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