A state of emergency has been issued for Harsens Island, Michigan after a significant underwater water main break has left the small community without a vital necessity: running water. The break in question, as officials with Clay Township disclosed, is believed to be located in the North Channel, approximately 70 feet underwater, as mentioned in WWJ Newsradio 950's coverage of the incident.
Residents were abruptly cut off from this essential service after a drop in water pressure was noted on a Wednesday night, leaving roughly between 600 to 900 residents, according to CBS News Detroit, in a lurch during the winter season when many businesses are operating on the island. High winds and dangerous cold conditions have delayed repair efforts, preventing divers from locating the break, and an underwater drone has become the next best option for assessing the damage.
ClickOnDetroit reports, despite the lack of running water, that the water main break has thankfully not affected fire services on the island. The local fire department's trucks are equipped with water storage tanks and can draw additional water from the river if needed.
In the meantime, township officials have set up relief operations at the Harsens Island Fire Department on La Croix Road, where residents can pick up bottled water for their household needs. Additionally, the Harsens Island St Clair Flats Association has provided three portable toilets for communal use, a somewhat primitive but necessary solution as reported by CBS News Detroit.
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