HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. – It’s another day in Highland Park, and for many residents, that means another day of grappling with low water pressure.
Neighbors like Garry Saunders are feeling the impact, saying, “I’m dealing with low pressure coming out of the faucet in the kitchen.”
Micshaba Williams, another resident, described the situation: “It’s like the water is just, not dripping, but slightly. It’s not hard. It won’t come out at all, really. It’s just coming out, real, real slow.”
For days, residents across this small city have been voicing their frustrations about the low or nonexistent water pressure.
“You can’t wash the dishes,” said Williams. “Can’t wash up. Can’t use the bathroom for real.”
On Thursday (March 20), Highland Park Mayor Glenda McDonald addressed the issue on Facebook, informing residents that the city is experiencing numerous water main breaks, contributing to decreased water pressure.
This situation is compounded by ongoing infrastructure work, with contract crews either repairing breaks or installing new water lines, leaving neighbors feeling the strain.
A note posted at Highland Park City Hall on Friday indicated that the building would be closed until further notice due to the low water pressure.
“It’s been a lot of inconvenience,” Saunders said. “I have to use a bucket to help flush the toilet, you know, and use the plunger.”
In a letter dated March 12, Highland Park’s Water Department acknowledged the challenges faced in recent weeks.
The Water Department Director referred to the issues as, in part, a sign of progress, noting that two major water main projects are currently underway in the city’s aging 115-year-old system.
Crews are working on installing water master meters and replacing water mains and lead service lines.
Residents like Williams are eager for answers, asking, “I want to know when this is going to be fixed. When is this problem going to be taken care of so that we can know?”
McDonald reassured the community that the city is striving to be proactive in its repair efforts while minimizing the impact on residents.
She acknowledged that the city would have to navigate a few obstacles, but the ultimate goal is to establish a completely new underground water system.
In a phone conversation with the mayor, she expressed gratitude for the state’s funding assistance to facilitate the current work.
The Highland Park Water Department has alerted residents to expect more minor inconveniences as the projects progress.
The city anticipates replacing Highland Park’s entire water system over the next five to seven years.