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Waterford flooding issues lead to major sinkhole problem

Posted at 4:52 PM, Mar 11, 2019
and last updated 2019-03-11 19:30:22-04

WATERFORD, Mich. (WYZ) — People living off Forest Avenue in Waterford say they first noticed water bubbles forming in the center of the avenue. They say what followed was a disastrous situation.

“It’s a mess. It’s a war zone here. Your car gets all dirty,” says neighbor Warren Pratt.

Pratt adds that the problem of flooding dates back for 5 years and sinkholes are the result. This Saturday, repairs were made to a broken water main, that forced crews to do heavy digging and patching.

“Is it just a coincidence this thing broke and has been covered with water all fall and winter, last summer," Pratt said. "It looks pretty eroded in pictures we took.”

Another neighbor, Jim Ferguson, is also mad.

“We need to fix the water situation and they need to put storage under ground," Ferguson said.

Several months ago, Action News reporting led to repairs being made nearby. Today, a spokesman for the County Road Commission says while installing a sewer remains cost prohibitive, they will be back to reevaluate. However, lingering ice also prevents water from draining properly.

Homeowners say despite the patch work done, what’s really needed is a long-term solution by the road commission for the county. Action News will stay on top of this to make sure it’s addressed.