May 10, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 10, 2026
press@michigan.gov
Gov. Whitmer Issues State of Emergency Declaration in Response to Water Main Break in Oakland County
State Emergency Operations Center is activated to coordinate response efforts with locals
LANSING, MICH. Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer activated the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) and declared a state of emergency due to a water main break in Oakland County.
“We are activating all available state resources to help support impacted communities, restore water service as quickly as possible, and ensure Michiganders have access to safe drinking water,” said Governor Whitmer. “I appreciate the swift response from emergency personnel, local officials, and utility crews actively working to address this situation.”
Early in the morning of May 10, a 42-inch waterline that serves the communities of Auburn Hills, Pontiac, Rochester Hills, Orion Township, Lake Orion, and Oakland Township ruptured causing a widespread loss of water pressure and the possibility of loss of service for Lake Orion, Orion Township, and Auburn Hills. As a precaution, the Rochester Hills and Auburn Hills community has been placed under a boil-water advisory.
The Great Lakes Water Authority is actively working to repair the water main break. Crews initially discovered a leak at the site on May 6. However, initial repair efforts were unsuccessful.
By declaring a state of emergency, the governor has authorized the use of all available state resources to assist local response and recovery operations in the affected county to ensure residents have access to water they need.
The declaration also allows eligible communities to seek financial assistance under Section 19 of Michigan’s Emergency Management Act, Public Act 390 of 1976, as amended. The funding helps local governments cover emergency response costs and repair public infrastructure damaged by the storms.
The SEOC was activated at 2:00 p.m. according to the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD). SEOC personnel are monitoring the situation and working with state and local officials as well as private sector partners to ensure any resource needs are met. MSP/EMHSD district coordinators are on the scene with local emergency management officials and supporting local emergency operation centers.
The SEOC is the Emergency Operations Center for the State of Michigan located in Lansing and is overseen by the MSP/EMHSD. The SEOC assists local governments and state agencies with the coordination of the response and recovery efforts.
For more information on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency or disaster, visit www.michigan.gov/miready and follow MSP/EMHSD on X and Facebook.
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