Massive Water Main Break Displaces Over 150 Families in Southwest Detroit

DETROIT — A massive water main break early Monday morning has forced over 150 families from their homes in Southwest Detroit, resulting in significant flooding and chaotic rescue efforts. The 54-inch water main burst at approximately 2 a.m. on February 17, leading to several feet of frigid water rushing through the neighborhoods, according to the Great Lakes Water Authority.

Emergency responders, including firefighters and dive teams, worked tirelessly to evacuate residents from their properties, using boats and construction trucks in some cases. By the end of the day, 54 adults and 22 children had been rescued, as well as 12 pets, from the flooding at its peak.

“It was pretty chaotic as the water was high, a lot of people were getting pulled out of their houses in boats,” said Salvation Army Major Chris Wood, who provided assistance and relief for victims and first responders alike. “This is very unique because of the time of year and the huge amount of families affected by this.”

The flooding initially began because of the water main break, which released a significant volume of water into streets around Beard and Rowan streets. Mayor Mike Duggan indicated that the water was flowing out of the break for about five hours before the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department and Great Lakes Water Authority were able to contain it.

“This was a failure of a Detroit-built, GLWA-maintained water main, and we’re going to fix it,” Duggan said during a press conference. “Your uninsured damage will be split evenly between GLWA and DWSD.”

City officials reported that up to 200 homes within a one-square-mile area were affected, prompting efforts by teams of city employees and community volunteers to go door-to-door, checking on residents and assisting evacuations. Residents expressed concerns about the damage to their properties.

“My basement is full all the way up,” said Armando Reyes, one of the affected homeowners. “The yard, everything is flooded.” Residents also faced challenges with freezing temperatures, complicating the recovery efforts.

Some evacuees opted to stay with friends and family, while others made use of city-provided hotel accommodations. The Patton Recreation Center was opened as an emergency shelter, receiving several displaced families.

According to DWSD Director Gary Brown, inspectors will be visiting homes in the coming days to assess damage, with the agency pledging to cover repairs for appliances such as furnaces and water heaters at no cost to residents. “We are treating this as a failure of the water main system,” Duggan emphasized.

Despite the immediate emergency response, questions remain about the city’s water infrastructure. Over the last six years, Detroit officials have committed $100 million annually to maintain and upgrade the city’s water and sewer systems, which encompass more than 2,700 miles of water mains.

“If it was avoidable…” said Carmen Vega, reflecting on the repeated water main breaks in the area. Her family was rescued by boat, yet she voiced concerns over returning to her home and the state in which they would find it.

Residents have been urged to call 313-774-5261 for help with evacuations and repairs. This line will remain active, staffed until 8 p.m. on the day of the incident, and 24 hours thereafter.