Repairs completed on southwest Detroit water main break, recovery efforts continue

Repairs are complete on a massive water main that burst in southwest Detroit over two weeks ago and left hundreds of residents seeking shelter in hotels paid for by the city, according to officials.

The 54-inch transmission main broke on Feb. 17 near Beard and Rowan streets, temporarily flooding streets and basements while damaging vehicles, belongings, and infrastructure. The break also caused power, water, and heat outages.

The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) also finished repairing the six-inch water main damaged in the initial break, the Great Lakes Water Authority said in a Wednesday news release. Water quality testing is expected to be completed by the end of the week.

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GLWA and DWSD have also completed sewer cleanups in the affected area, removing debris caused by the water main break, according to the release. DTE Energy crews are expected to complete repairs on the damaged gas line during the week of March 10.

“GLWA’s engineering and operations teams are evaluating the full length of the main to determine the best next steps to ready it for service,” the water authority said.

About 400 homes were in the affected area, and about half of those homes were severely affected, according to city officials.

Officials from the city and the Great Lakes Water Authority have promised to pay for uninsured damages and restoration for what Mayor Mike Duggan called the “failure” of the water system.

Residents impacted by the water main break are still encouraged by city officials to call 313-774-5261 for emergency resources.

Families temporarily staying in hotels are now on their third week away from their homes and are also heavily relying on community support and donations. Several food trucks and restaurants have provided meals, and donations continue to be accepted by local organizations. Those wanting to volunteer or donate can find more information here.

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Nour Rahal is a trending and breaking news reporter. Email her: [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @nrahal1.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Southwest Detroit water main break fixed, recovery efforts continue