DWSD gives all-clear to resume using the drinking water in Cornerstone Village, East English Village and Morningside neighborhoods on the eastside after flushing their plumbing

2021

DETROIT – The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) has given the all-clear for residents and businesses in the eastside neighborhoods of Cornerstone Village, East English Village and Morningside in District 4 to resume using the drinking water after they flush their plumbing for 5-10 minutes. DWSD and Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) staff opened and let run several hundred fire hydrants through the night and now the water is clear. There are no indications of a water quality issue.

Water customers in Cornerstone Village, East English Village and Morningside are advised to flush their plumbing to remove any sediment that may remain in their pipes and fixtures before using the water for drinking, cooking and washing:

  • Remove faucet aerators (screens) from all water taps in your home by turning clockwise to loosen (you may have to use a wrench if you have never taken them off).
  • Beginning in the lowest level of your home or business, open all the cold water faucets, including sinks, showers and bathtubs.
  • Let the water run until clear and then for an additional 5-10 minutes at the last faucet you opened on the top floor.
  • Turn off each faucet starting with the first one you opened (bottom floor).
  • Clean the aerators with an old toothbrush, rinse and reinstall by turning counter clockwise.

Residents bordering these neighborhoods who may have also experienced brown, rusty water should follow the flushing instructions before using their drinking water. If you still have brown, rusty water after the flushing steps, call DWSD at 313-267-8000.

DWSD and GLWA continue to investigate the cause.

DWSD has also provided this information to community leaders in those neighborhoods and via the news media, social media and notices. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) was informed throughout the flushing of the water system.