DETROIT – Nearly six weeks after what Mayor Mike Duggan and others called the worst water main break in Detroit’s history; the recovery efforts are wrapping up. However, for about 15 families still stuck in hotels, and many neighbors discovering items missing and damages, the struggle is far from over.
Read: Recovery efforts in Detroit neighborhood flooded by main break nearly complete
Some neighbors are now asking: as the city’s response winds down, will the resources, too?
The aftermath of the massive water main break on February 17, 2025, left homes flooded and then frozen under layers of ice, forcing 200 families out of their homes. Many have begun filing claims, receiving appliances and repairs — even checks in the mail, but for some, the process is slow and painful.
Jerry Reynolds, who lives just a few houses down from where the 54-inch line broke, with his wife and two children, lost nearly everything, he said.
“We had most of our life in that room right there,” he said, pointing to a large storage area in his basement. “So, everything’s gone. You can’t put words on it. What are we supposed to say?”
The city and water department, with volunteers and community activists, have worked to help residents, and the city said full recovery efforts should conclude by next week.
“If I could do one thing faster, I would have gotten the community groups more integrated in our response earlier,” Duggan said.
But Reynolds, an example of many in the area, said what he lost cannot be fixed with a check or a
Reynolds said losing his wife’s wedding dress and a box of keepsakes from his twin grandbabies who passed away, hit the hardest.
“The blankets, the candles, their funeral papers… all gone. Destroyed. You can’t replace that,” he said.
As the city plans to shut down a phone line on Monday, March 31, some neighbors remain unsure of what’s next.
“Look at the floor,” Reynolds said, showing damage to his basement. “Is that my responsibility? Do we have to fix that, or are they gonna fix it?”
Despite the unknowns, community groups have pledged to continue their efforts.
“As long as these families need help, our group and all the other groups will still be out here helping,” said Jessica Miller Ramirez, of Detroiters Helping Each Other.
Jimmy Rios, a plumber volunteering his services, echoed the promise to hold the city of Detroit accountable: “To the last house. The last house,” he said.
For those who have yet to file claims, the city and Detroit Water and Sewerage Department said the deadline is April 3, 2025. The city has set up a claim and repair hotline for assistance: 1-877-311-3664.
Meanwhile, if you would like to donate to the families of southwest detroit impacted by this flooding, you can! Detroiters Helping Each Other is hoping to give them a Happy Easter. They need items to make 400 Easter baskets, toys, and more!
Details:
- Mail or drop off donations:
- 2501 Pearl St Detroit, MI 48209
- dheomichigan.secretary@gmail.com
