Oakland County water main break repair timeline

Name: GLWA reports 'major milestone' as water main repairs proceed
Uploaded: 2026-05-12T13:52:37-04:00
Description: The water agency that oversees Metro Detroit's infrastructure says it reached a major milestone amid repair efforts after a 42-inch water main broke, affecting thousands of residents and businesses.

(FOX 2) - The new pipe is in the ground and work is underway to fix an Auburn Hills water main break that is impacting multiple Oakland County communities.

Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) CEO Susan Coffey said the replacement pipe was welded into place by 6 p.m. Monday, and the pipe was full and back to normal pressure by 2 a.m. Tuesday.

"We are exponentially ahead of the horrible schedule that we were laid out," Orion Township Supervisor Chris Barnett said during an update Tuesday morning.

Coffey called it "a major milestone," but noted that there are still more steps that need to be taken until water is safe to drink. Water usage also still needs to be limited.

GLWA reports 'major milestone' as water main repairs proceed

The water agency that oversees Metro Detroit's infrastructure says it reached a major milestone amid repair efforts after a 42-inch water main broke, affecting thousands of residents and businesses.

Timeline:

Coffey said the next step is to restore water pressure to all communities by Thursday.

After water pressure is restored, GLWA and the impacted communities will need to flush their systems.

Then, water sampling and bacterial analysis will take place. Coffey said this could happen as soon as Sunday or Monday, but there is no definitive timeline.

"If a curveball comes our way, these timelines are going to get pushed out," Coffey said.

Water restrictions still in place

Residents and businesses in several areas should limit their water usage. This includes not watering lawns or running washing machines and dishwashers.