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Detroit Races to Fix 60-Plus Water Main Breaks as Deep Freeze Strains Aging Pipes

City crews are working around the clock after extreme cold stressed century‑old mains, with more breaks possible as temperatures stay low.

Overview

  • DWSD said reports rose to 61 by Wednesday, up from 51 on Tuesday, with repairs and street cleanup continuing across the city.
  • The largest break—a 54‑inch main near Denby High School—was repaired, after flooding and ice trapped vehicles and sent water into basements on nearby blocks.
  • Officials reported no widespread loss of household service and reaffirmed priorities: restore water to residents, repair mains, then clear major roads and side streets.
  • Deployments increased to 11 water‑main crews and eight ice‑removal teams, with more than 200 employees and contractors working in the field around the clock.
  • Leaders cite aging infrastructure and a multi‑year program investing about $100 million annually to replace mains; residents are urged to report breaks at 313‑267‑8000 or via the Improve Detroit app, and homeowners must handle private plumbing repairs.