Detroit has experienced considerable flooding following the break of a 54-inch water main on February 17, 2025, at the intersection of Beard and Rowan streets. The incident created havoc, flooding nearby streets and basements, and displacing hundreds of residents, leading them to seek temporary shelter in hotels paid for by the city.
On March 5, the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) confirmed completion of repairs on the damaged water mains and announced additional actions needed before residents could return home. They revealed the installation of a new 19-foot segment of pipe to replace about 12 feet of the burst transmission line, which had been flooded for weeks.
According to Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) Director Gary Brown, We're trying to get people out of the hotel. If we can get the electricity repaired in the home, we can get heat and hot water, then the rest of the punch list, the smaller things, can be done. Brown noted the urgency to reconnect families with their homes, particularly those eager to return after weeks of living temporarily away from their pets and belongings.
Cleanup efforts were underway right away, with GLWA and DWSD working to remove debris from impacted sewer systems due to the flooding, and sewer cleanups have been marked as complete. Water quality testing was also scheduled to be finalized shortly after the repairs were made to guarantee the safety of the water supply.
While the main water lines have been restored, additional challenges persist. DTE Energy is set to finish repairing the damaged gas line during the week of March 10. For more than 150 families still residing at local hotels, the city has taken steps to ease the burden. Community support remains strong, as various food trucks and organizations have stepped forward to provide meals and gather donations.
The disaster not only caused temporary displacement but also resulted in extensive damage to vehicles and private property, significantly affecting over 400 homes. City officials assessed about half of these as being severely impacted and are now coordinating restoration efforts. Mayor Mike Duggan emphasized the city's commitment to assist residents, pledging support for uninsured damages due to what he termed the failure of the water system.
Emergency resources are being dispersed to residents affected by the break, with officials encouraging those impacted to reach out for assistance. The city can be contacted at 313-774-5261 for anyone needing help or information about available emergency resources.
Despite the completion of repairs, officials estimate it will take several more weeks — approximately five more — to clean residents' basements, replace water heaters, and prepare the homes for return. Local authorities are working hard to provide solutions, checking every avenue to expedite the process, ensuring families can safely return home.
While families remain hopeful to return swiftly, it serves as a stark reminder of infrastructure challenges affecting many urban settings. With the community's support and city resources aligned to aid the most affected, residents are striving to overcome the hurdles posed by this tragic event.