After a strenuous effort by the Washington Township crews, residents are breathing a sigh of relief as the broken sewer main that unleashed thousands of gallons of sewage into the Clinton River is now fully repaired, lifting previous water restrictions. This critical update came from Washington Township Supervisor Sam Previti who, as per WWJ Newsradio, stated "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."
While the situation seems to be heading towards normalcy, caution still looms as the Macomb County Health Department has advised residents to avoid direct contact with the Clinton River, where the leak occurred, due to E. coli concerns this advice was echoed by The Detroit News, who reported that the public health advisory will remain effective until Monday as a precaution even though the system is fully operational again, repairs to the 20-inch ductile iron pipe, crack due to age and extreme cold and the successful installation of the new pipe has been dubbed a significant feat according to the Macomb County Department of Roads.
According to a Detroit Free Press report, high levels of E. coli were detected downstream prompting the extended public health advisory, with Macomb County health officer Andrew Cox noting that initial water sample results showed "significant human waste" in the water, causing enough concern to extend the advisory despite the leak being stopped, cleanup has begun, and the reopening of Hayes Road between 25 Mile and 26 Mile Roads on Friday evening.
Emphasizing public safety, the Macomb County Health Department urges continued caution, recommending that all contact with the middle branch of the Clinton River should be avoided and that residents wash their hands thoroughly after potential exposure to contaminated water, these were protocols suggested in light of the extended health advisory as detailed by The Detroit News. Previti affirmed the dedication to rectify the rupture completely, stating their quick response as crews noticed an "obscure uptick" in sewer levels, and has promised that Washington Township's water and sewer fund balance will finance the costly but necessary repairs and ongoing checks to mitigate future risks.
