(WXYZ) — Officials have lifted the water usage restrictions in parts of Oakland County following a massive water main break and repairs in Auburn Hills.
Watch this afternoon's press conference:
Great Lakes Water Authority CEO Sue Coffey said on Wednesday that water is flowing with typical operations through a new 42-inch main pipe that was installed earlier this week in Auburn Hills.
"The community's connections are open," Coffey said.
Orion Township Supervisor Chris Barnett said that means residents in Orion Township, the Village of Lake Orion, northern Auburn Hills and Rochester Hills can now use water without restrictions.
That means residents can shower, do laundry, wash dishes, etc. However, they are reminding people that you cannot drink the water yet, as testing still needs to be done. Officials expect the do not drink advisory to last through the weekend.
Water distribution stations will remain open in those areas until the water is safe to drink, Barnett said.
On Tuesday, officials held a press conference saying that the 42-inch pipe was officially fixed and pressurized, and the new section held. Then, it was up to the communities to execute the plan to return the system to normal functioning operations, which was done on Wednesday.
Watch below: New water pipe welded into place in Auburn Hills
Barnett said that they need volunteers at least through the weekend to help others at water distribution sites and other services. You can learn more here: Sign up to volunteer at one of our water distribution sites. Sign up to volunteer a service.
There are also three hydration stations that will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day. They are:
Wildwood Amphitheater
2700 Joslyn Court
Lake Orion, MI 48360
NOTE: PLEASE ENTER OFF OF WALDON AND EXIT OFF OF JOSLYN
Village of Lake OrionAtwater Park
426 Atwater Street
Lake Orion, MI 48362
Auburn Hills
Auburn Hills Department of Public Works
1500 Brown Road
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
