Detroit Evening Report: Almost 200 families still displaced after water main break
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Crews continue to work on the water main break in Southwest Detroit.
About 190 families displaced by last week’s water main break in Southwest Detroit are still in hotels as repairs and cleanup continues.
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City officials say repairs to the most-damaged homes should be completed within the next six weeks.
Jose Poprawa, a Southwest Detroit resident who lives down the street from the break, says he’s been impressed by the city’s response so far.
“From what I seen and me having them being ground zero of it, it’s gone as planned. Said Monday, they would be here to clean up. Everything is clean. Now it’s just cleaning the outside, and now the next phase is for them to come in to replace the appliances,” he said.
Todd King, chief resiliency officer at the Great Lakes Water Authority, said they’re hoping to have the water main back in operation within the next two weeks, but noted that there’s no way to inspect all 300,000 miles of water mains in the city.
“I mean, there are tools that are available, but they’re…they’re on the innovative side of things,” he said. “There’s no standard practice for inspecting this type of pipe.”
For those looking to support those affected by the water main break, Detroit Deputy Mayor Melia Howard said residents could use some every day items.
“Hygiene kits, feminine products, diapers in all sizes going up to size seven, toilet paper, paper towel, new underwear, new socks,” she said.
Howard said Spanish-speaking volunteers would also be appreciated. The American Red Cross is set up at the corner of Lisbon and Green streets in Southwest.
Reporting by Russ McNamara, WDET News
More headlines for Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025:
- The nonprofit Michigan Immigrant Rights Center is applauding the Trump administration’s decision to rescind a freeze on funding that pays for attorneys to represent unaccompanied migrant children.
- Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan spoke to students at Central Michigan University on Monday, hoping to win over young voters who don’t like Republicans or Democrats.
- Nominations for the Detroit Office of Neighborhoods 313 Community Day Awards close on Saturday, March 1. The city wants to acknowledge residents who exemplify the Spirit of Detroit through work in or with neighborhoods, nonprofits, schools, faith-based organizations, community groups or other work.
- Detroit’s Parks and Recreation Department is looking for young golfers ages 11-14 to take part in Youth Golf in the D, a four-week course each Tuesday in March, teaching the fundamentals of the game. The cost is $20. For more information visit dprdathletics.com.
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