WASHINGTON TWP. (WWJ) — Crews have completed fixing a sewer main that broke in Northern Macomb County earlier this week, sending thousands of gallons of sewage into the Clinton River.
The break happened Wednesday afternoon along Hayes Road between 25 Mile and 26 Mile Roads in Washington Township, prompting the Macomb County Health Department to issue a Public Health Advisory.
Macomb and Washington Twp. residents were being told to avoid contact with the river and to conserve water usage, among other directives.
At the time, officials with the health department said the leak was causing 21,000 gallons of sewage to reach the river on an hourly basis.
On Friday Washington Twp. Supervisor Sam Previti said on Facebook the sewer main break has been fully repaired and water conservation measures are no longer needed. Previti noted that septic homes were never affected and drinking water remains safe and “was never compromised.”
Previti said the 20-inch ductile iron pipe with concrete coverage “had developed a crack due to its age (over 45 years old) and extreme cold temperatures.”
“Crews worked tirelessly around the clock to maintain low sewer levels and install a bypass system, allowing for the seamless replacement of the damaged pipe,” Previti’s post said.
The new pipe has been successfully installed and the system is fully operational, Previti said.
Hayes Road remains closed between 25 Mile and 26 Mile until the road is fully cleaned. A timeline for when it will reopen was not disclosed.
Previti said water sample testing has been conducted to ensure what amounts of sewage entered the Middle Branch of the Clinton River.
All county, state, and local agencies, including the Health Department and EGLE, have been actively involved and monitoring the process, Previti said.
“We sincerely appreciate the cooperation and patience of our residents and businesses throughout this situation. Your efforts in conserving water helped facilitate a faster resolution,” he said.