Michigan will use every available tool and resource to protect families, ensure access to drinking water  

LANSING, Mich. – On Aug 14th, morning, Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Lapeer, Macomb, Oakland, and St. Clair counties following yesterday’s water main break near the Great Lakes Water Authority’s (GLWA) Lake Huron Water Treatment facility. The break is resulting in a Boil Water Advisory for several communities. 

“We are drawing on every resource we have and taking every action necessary to get impacted families the help they need,” said Governor Whitmer. “On Saturday, I activated the State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate our response efforts, and with on Aug 14th’s state of emergency declaration, we are ensuring that state resources will be available as long as the impacted communities need them. In times of crisis, Michiganders stand together. We will do what it takes to get through this.”    

"It’s vital that our residents have reliable and safe infrastructure, our water infrastructure is essential,” said Senator Mallory McMorrow (D – Royal Oak). “We’re thankful for the Governor’s urgent action to declare a state of emergency to unlock response resources for our residents, and our office stands ready to assist." 

"A water main from the Great Lakes Water Authority broke recently and is impacting residents living in the 36th District of Bruce Township, Shelby Township, Washington Township, and also surrounding areas,” said Representative Terence Mekoski (R – Shelby Township). “This emergency declaration will ensure repairs are made as quickly and efficiently as possible. My office and staff will do our best to keep you updated on the latest information available in keeping our drinking water safe for our communities." 

By declaring a state of emergency, Governor Whitmer has made available all state resources in cooperation with local response and recovery efforts in the designated area. The declaration authorizes the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) to coordinate and maximize state efforts to assist. 

The State Emergency Operations Center was activated as of 4:00 p.m. Saturday to respond to the ongoing water main break near the GLWA Lake Huron Water Treatment facility, following multiple requests for additional resources from local communities. SEOC personnel are monitoring the situation and working with state and local officials as well as private sector partners to ensure any resource needs are met. EMHSD district coordinators are on scene with local emergency management officials and supporting local emergency operation centers. 

 The GLWA issued the precautionary Boil Water Advisory Saturday after it discovered a break on a 120-inch water transmission main at its Lake Huron Water Treatment facility. Communities that remain under a Boil Water Advisory include: the Village of Almont, Bruce Township, Burtchville Township, Imlay City, City of Rochester, Shelby Township, Washington Township, as well as one business in Greenwood, and an industrial park in Romeo. 

Initially, the break was reported to potentially impact 935,000 Michiganders in 23 communities. Due to the quick, effective response of first responders, community leaders, and GLWA and Michigan officials, the number of impacted Michiganders is significantly lower than originally projected. Officials and health experts will continually review the communities under the advisory and keep the public aware of any further changes. 

For more information about the water main break, please contact Great Lakes Water Authority Water Quality at [email protected] or by calling 313-926-8192 or 313-926-8128.