Watch Live: Oakland County Officials Provide Update on Massive Water Main Break
Crews are welding a new 42-inch segment as officials say the failed pipe is being analyzed and repairs could take up to two weeks.
- On Sunday, May 10, a 42-inch water main broke beneath River Woods Park in Auburn Hills, disrupting service to multiple communities; crews from the Great Lakes Water Authority have since replaced the ruptured pipe segment.
- Great Lakes Water Authority CEO Suzanne Coffey attributed the failure to a 'manufacturing anomaly' in the 50-year-old pipe, which burst well before its expected 100-year lifespan despite previous inspections showing 'zero defects; no evidence of degradation.'
- Over 7,000 gallons of drinking water were distributed on Sunday alone at three distribution sites, as officials urge residents to restrict usage to essential sanitation and avoid nonessential activities like lawn watering.
- Lake Orion Community Schools will remain closed through Thursday, May 14, while Great Lakes Water Authority officials originally estimated a 10- to 14-day window for full system restoration.
- Orion Township Supervisor Chris Barnett acknowledged the 'frustration and annoyance' residents face without adequate water access, while crews continue testing welds on the newly installed pipe section before service resumes.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Oakland County Residents Brace for Weeks-Long Water Outage After Water Main Break
Photo: Courtesy of the Great Lakes Water Authority May 12, 2026 ~ Suzanne Coffey, Great Lakes Water Authority CEO, updates Jason Roe and Lloyd Jackson on the Auburn Hills water main break, stating that a refined restoration schedule is expected soon. May 11, 2026 ~ Orion Township Supervisor Chris Barnett joins Ryan Ermanni to discuss the latest following a state of emergency being declared after a water main break in the towns…
Lake Orion businesses shuttered as water crisis disrupts daily life
Boil-water orders remain in effect for at least four communities after a 42-inch watermain broke early Sunday in Auburn Hills. Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) crews are working around the clock to make the repair at River Woods Park, according to the utility. GLWA did not provide the number of customers affected.
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