Governor Declares State of Emergency Over 42-Inch Waterline Rupture

Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency Monday after a massive water main break in northern Oakland County disrupted water service across multiple communities, including Pontiac.

The State Emergency Operations Center was activated at 2 p.m. Sunday to coordinate the response to the infrastructure failure that affected residents from Auburn Hills to Rochester Hills.

Pontiac Residents Face Restrictions Until Repairs Are Complete

The Pontiac School District said Rogers Elementary School will be closed on Monday, May 11. All other district buildings will remain open and operating on a normal schedule.

Until repairs are completed, Pontiac residents are asked to avoid outdoor water use to reduce strain on the system. Higher demand can contribute to low water pressure in Pontiac and nearby communities and may reduce water available for firefighting.

Residents are urged to limit water use to essential needs only until the break is repaired.

Boil Water Advisories Remain in Effect Across Multiple Townships

Orion Township maintains a boil-water advisory that remains in effect. Officials urged residents to restrict water use to essential needs. Nonessential businesses were told to close, and water service to those businesses may be shut off. Officials warned the township's water tower could be depleted soon.

Rochester Hills has a boil-water advisory for a large portion of the city. Officials asked residents and businesses to limit water use to hydration and basic sanitation and avoid running dishwashers, washing machines or lawn sprinklers.

The city said water pressure has increased near Dutton and Adams roads, but some residents in northwest Rochester Hills and Oakland Township have no flow, and others may only have a trickle.

Water Distribution Sites Set Up for Affected Residents

GLWA said water trucks are distributing one-gallon containers at multiple locations across the impacted areas:

  • 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

Repairs Expected to Take Minimum of Two Weeks

Crews and emergency contractors have removed water from the break site and excavated down to the damaged pipe, GLWA said.

Safety measures are being put in place, and the broken segment is expected to be removed late Sunday night. A replacement pipe segment is expected to be installed by the end of the day Tuesday.

The agency said there is still no firm timeline for full restoration, but residents and businesses should prepare for a minimum of 14 days without water.

State Emergency Operations Center Activated

The State Emergency Operations Center was activated at 2 p.m. Sunday, according to the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division.

The governor's emergency declaration authorizes state resources to support response and recovery efforts.

Areas Impacted Include

  • Auburn Hills
  • Pontiac
  • Rochester Hills
  • Orion Township
  • Lake Orion
  • Oakland Township