Authorities believe that a combination of aging infrastructure and extreme cold weather led to the water main break in Detroit. The city experienced temperatures as low as 1.4°F (-17°C), with wind chills making it feel even colder.
“This was a failure of a Detroit-built, GLWA-maintained water main,” admitted by Mayor Mike Duggan. “That’s the truth, and we’re going to fix it.”
Within hours, nearly five feet of water flooded the streets, prompting emergency rescues by boat. A total of 94 people, including 63 adults and 31 children, were evacuated from flooded homes. Due to heavy snow and ice, crews faced significant delays in locating the shut-off valves, officials reported.
Massive flooding affected Southwest Detroit, leaving nearly 300 residents relocated to hotel rooms provided by the city. However, many opted to stay with friends or family instead, as their homes were left uninhabitable due to flooded basements and broken furnaces.
In response, Detroit officials, in collaboration with the Great Lakes Water Authority and the Detroit Water & Sewerage Department, began conducting door-to-door wellness checks. By Wednesday, they had inspected 110 of the nearly 400 affected homes, with only 10 reporting no basement flooding.
City workers and contractors are currently working to expose and replace a nearly 12-foot section of the damaged pipe. The repairs are expected to take about two weeks, while full recovery efforts—including restoring heat, cleaning water tanks, and ensuring safety—could take up to six weeks.
Additionally, 50 homes have been issued boil-water advisories as officials test for possible contamination. With many homes still without power or heat, police patrols have been increased to prevent looting and ensure the safety of residents. Meanwhile, teams of inspectors are assessing homes so repairs can begin as soon as possible.
“We’re committed to making these homes livable again,” Duggan assured residents. “You can stay in the hotel until your power and heat are restored.”
