3 water main breaks in Dearborn, 1 in Dearborn Heights affect more than 100 homes

Three water main breaks across Dearborn and a separate break in Dearborn Heights are causing disruptions to residents’ water services, city officials said Monday, Aug. 18.

In Dearborn, significant breaks occurred at Cherry Hill Road and Outer Drive; Penn Street and McKinley Street, and Warren Avenue and Kendal Street, according to a city alert.

The breaks caused some street flooding, but no flooding in homes has been reported, said City of Dearborn spokesperson Hassan Abbas. About 100 homes were affected; residents experienced low water pressure, though none lost service entirely.

Issues were first reported around 11 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17. Abbas said the city promptly contacted MISS DIG — the state’s utility notification system that must be alerted before crews dig in areas of public utilities — and began repair work once cleared.

One of the damaged lines, at Penn and McKinley streets, has already been repaired as of Monday afternoon, Abbas told the Free Press. Crews expect to finish fixing the remaining two by the end of the day.

In Dearborn Heights, a water main break on Waverly Street, between Midway and George, has left some residents dealing with low water pressure, discoloration or no service.

Dearborn Heights residents are advised not to do laundry — particularly whites and light-colored items — until their water runs clear, according to a city alert. Dearborn Heights officials could not immediately be reached for more information.

Once repairs are complete, affected residents in Dearborn and Dearborn Heights should flush cold water from the lowest point in their home, such as a basement laundry tub or bathroom sink, until it runs clear. Faucet screens (aerators) may need to be removed to clear sediment or debris. Officials advise not to use hot water until cold water is running clear, as doing so could damage hot water heaters. Once the water runs clear, it is safe for drinking, cooking, cleaning and bathing.

The public is asked to avoid areas where crews are working until repairs are completed.