Oakland County water main break: Who is affected by busted main in Auburn Hills

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'Some progress' made after Auburn Hills water main break

Orion Township Supervisor Chris Barnett said crews are making progress as they work to remove and replace a broken water main in Auburn Hills. That break could leave people in his township, part of Auburn Hills, and Lake Orion without water for weeks.

A water main break in Auburn Hills is impacting more than the city, with residents of several surrounding communities forced to restrict their water usage

It started as a leak from the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) main in River Woods Park last week that broke around 1:30 a.m. Sunday, leading to boil water advisories, business closures, and calls to limit water use as several communities rely on reserve water sources.

Repairs are underway, but it is unclear how long it will take to fix the broken pipe and get water flowing again. On Sunday, GLWA told residents and businesses to prepare to be without water for a minimum of 14 days.

Water restrictions

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

  • Orion Township
  • Lake Orion
  • Rochester Hills
  • Auburn Hills
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Auburn Hills water main break forces business closures

Businesses around Auburn Hills, Orion Township, and Lake Orion are closed Monday after a water main break that has led to tight water restrictions and fears about taps running dry.

Who will lose water

When the reserve water sources run out, several areas will lose water:

  • Orion Township
  • Lake Orion
  • Auburn Hills north of Taylor Road

Boil water advisories 

When using water, residents in some parts of the affected area should boil it:

  • Orion Township
  • Lake Orion
  • Auburn Hills north of Cross Creek Parkway/University Drive
  • Northwest corner of Rochester Hills
  • Southwest Oakland Township

(Photo: Oakland County)

Am I impacted?

Oakland County has created a searchable map that allows residents to look up their address and see if they are impacted by the break.

Search the map here.

Water giveaways

Three water distribution sites have been set up for those impacted to pick up two gallons of water.

They are currently expected to operate from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m., but may close temporarily to be refilled. 

  • Orion Township – Wildwood Amphitheater, 2700 Joslyn Court
  • Auburn Hills – Auburn Hills Department of Public Works, 1500 Brown Road
  • Lake Orion – Atwater Park, 426 Atwater Street

School closures

Several schools and districts are closed Monday, with Lake Orion Community Schools closed both Monday and Tuesday.

Can't see the live school closings list below? Tap here.

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