Detroit Water and Sewerage will begin repairing damage caused by the massive water main break in Southwest Detroit next week.

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The department will clean out and sanitize basements, as well as perform hot water heater, furnace and electrical repairs.

DWSD Director Gary Brown says residents whose water has been restored will still be under a water boil advisory.

“When we put a service line back in service, we must test the water for bacteria twice, 24 hours apart,” he said. “So it will take 48 hours for the testing to take place.”

Southwest Detroit residents who were affected by the water main break on Monday can now file a claim for losses on the city’s website. DWSD will work to cover deductibles and any losses outside of what insurance will cover, Brown said.

The city hopes to get all homes repaired and families moved back in within six weeks, he said.

Residents who need assistance to make a claim can call the city at 313-774-5261.

Other headlines for Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025:

• Reverend Solomon Kinloch Jr of Detroit-based Triumph Church launched his campaign for Detroit’s mayor Wednesday night.
• The Islamic Center of Detroit is hosting a deep dive into Malcolm X’s Wayne State speech and how his commitment to Islam shaped his activism at an event titled “100 years of Malcolm X: A Legacy Unfinished,” taking place at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, at the Islamic Center of Detroit.
• Detroit Parks and Recreation will continue its Winter Fest festivities this weekend with events planned at Rouge Park from noon to 4 p.m. and at the Butzel Family Center from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22.
• Detroit is looking for talent to perform at Detroit Parks and Recreation events. The city is looking for DJs, poets, singers and rappers, bands, dancers, and artists. Auditions for performers will take place from 1-5 p.m. on March 8 at the Northwest Activities Center.

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