The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) is working to repair a water main break that affects water service to 23 communities in Southeast Michigan. An estimated 935,000 people live in affected areas, and a boil water advisory is in effect for residents in 6 Michigan counties.

According to a press release from GLWA, the break happened in a 120-inch transmission main that “is the largest in the regional water distribution system.”

Out of an abundance of caution, GLWA issued a boil water advisory for the following communities:

• The Village of Almont
• City of Auburn Hills
• Bruce Township
• Burtchville Township
• Chesterfield Township
• Clinton Township
• City of Flint
• Flint Township
• City of Imlay City
• City of Lapeer
• Lenox Township
• Macomb Township
• Mayfield Township
• Village of New Haven
• Orion Township
• City of Pontiac
• City of Rochester
• City of Rochester Hills
• Shelby Township
• City of Sterling Heights
• City of Troy
• City of Utica
• Washington Township

The details of the boil water advisory include:

• Residents must bring all water to a boil for at least one minute and
  then let it cool before using.
• Boiled, bottled or disinfected water should be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth, and preparing food until further notice

Burtchville Township residents are still completely without water. Water for drinking and cooking is available at Fort Gratiot Fire Department, and residents just need to bring their own containers.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

A water main break at the Metcalf Road plant of the Great Lakes Water Authority has resulted in water pressure issues and a boil water advisory for parts of Southeast Michigan.

Officials are currently meeting to discuss the plan for handling the emergency, but Everbridge (an emergency alert system) has issued a boil water advisory for households around southeast Michigan. The Macomb Township Offices have urged their residents to stop any unnecessary water usage until further notice.

Justin Westmiller, Director of the St. Clair County Department of Emergency Management said the only places in St. Clair County affected are in Burtchville Township.  There is no water at Lakeport State Park or in the entire township of Burtchville.

Great Lakes Water Authority is working on setting up water support for area residents.

Port Huron has its own water supply, so there are no issues for those who receive their water from the city.

Jorja Baldwin, St. Clair County Commissioner for District 2, said, “Due to a 120” water main break at the Great Lakes Water Authority plant on Metcalf Road in Fort Gratiot, communities in Genesee, Macomb, Lapeer and St. Clair counties are all impacted at varying degrees. In St. Clair County, only Burtchville is impacted. Burtchville is a direct connect and has no water service to residents who are on the public system at this time; this includes Lakeport State Park.”

Baldwin also said, “The SCC EOC (St. Clair County emergency Operations Center) is activated and will work with Burtchville officials to provide water trucks, bottled water, and meet other needs as they arise. Information will officially come from GLWA and SCC Emergency Management as it becomes available.”

We will report information on this story as we receive it.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Dr. Doru Bali just received the prestigious Hospice Medical Director Certified credential from the Hospice Medical Director Certification Board. He’s one of only 29 physicians in Michigan, and the only one in St. Clair County, to hold it.

As Medical Director at VNA & Blue Water Hospice since 2020, Dr. Bali said the credential speaks to the quality of care the organization’s team makes to their patients and the community.

VNA & Blue Water Hospice meets a variety of patient care needs while also supporting families with caregiver resources and groups for those experiencing grief and loss.

Learn more about VNA and Blue Water Hospice here:

https://vnabwh.org/

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

The excitement and nostalgia of Cedar Point’s classic lakeside experience will be celebrated in a whole new way in 2023 when the park opens The Boardwalk, a new themed area just steps away from the Lake Erie shoreline. It’s a modern interpretation of the Cedar Point of yesteryear. Guests can expect new rides, dining, and entertainment experiences along with improvements coming to the former Lakeside Midway.

One of the new rides is the Wild Mouse Roller Coaster with bright orange tracks, a nod to the park’s original Wild Mouse coaster. The new Grand Pavilion will house restaurants, lots of seating areas for socializing and relaxation, and viewing decks with unparalleled panoramas of Cedar Point, the Cedar Point Beach, and the Lake Erie shoreline.

Carrie Boldman, vice president and general manager of Cedar Point, said “The Boardwalk is our vision of what the classic Cedar Point Boardwalk would have felt like long ago: the sights, the sounds, the electricity of the experience – this new area captures it all.”

Carrie said that “lakeside attractions have always been a part of Cedar Point’s 153-year history” and that she “can’t wait for guests to enjoy this stunning new centerpiece of summertime fun.”

The Boardwalk is set to debut on the park’s opening day in May of 2023. 

Reporting for WGRT – George James