Boil Water Advisory In Oakland County Could Be Expanded As Officials Monitor Leak

AUBURN HILLS, MI — More Oakland County communities can be affected by an ongoing water main leak, according to the Great Lakes Water Authority.

Officials discovered the leak along a 42-inch transmission main in River Woods Park in Auburn Hills on Wednesday. Officials have blocked off that area to the public.

For now, parts of Rochester Hills and Oakland Township are under a boil water advisory. But if the water main were to break, then the advisory would be expanded for residents in Auburn Hills, Orion Township, Lake Orion, Pontiac and other parts of Rochester Hills and Oakland Township.

Officials said the leak is under control for now, but they have placed their emergency contractors on notice and have identified sections of the main that need to be replaced.

Additionally, the water authority has opened an emergency operations center to coordinate logistics under the Department of Homeland Security's Incident Command System.

Rochester Hills officials said crews have started flushing fire hydrants in the affected areas and will continue that work on Thursday. They have also sent in water samples with results expected by Friday afternoon.

Under a boil water advisory, residents must bring all water to a boil for one minute and then let it cool before using. Boiled, bottled or disinfected water should be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth and preparing food until further notice.