Update: Water Main Break FAQ and Resource Links
Water Main Break FAQ
Where can I find the most recent update?
A press conference was held on May 13 at 2:00 p.m. providing the most recent updates. WATCH THE PRESS CONFERENCE RECORDING HERE
An update meeting for restaurant community members was held at 1 p.m. to discuss health and safety protocols for restaurant operations.
View a recording of the Water Break Restaurant Update meeting here.
What are the modifications to Orion Township water use restrictions?
Water use restrictions have been lifted (effective May 13, 2026 2:00 p.m.). Residents and businesses may resume normal water use. The Boil Water Advisory remains in place until further notice.
Again, while moving back toward normal, our boil water alert is still in effect. We encourage everyone to review all boil water advisory guidelines from Public Health Oakland here.
Read what to do RIGHT NOW, during a boil water advisory.
Read what to do AFTER the boil water advisory is lifted .
Both Orion Township and the Village of Lake Orion have signed orders rescinding Fire and Life Safety Evacuation.
View Orion Township’s Order Rescinding Fire & Life Safety Evacuation here.
View the Village of Lake Orion’s Order Rescinding Fire & Life Safety Evacuation here.
Where can I get water?
3 water distribution stations will remain in place until the boil water advisory is lifted.
Water Distribution Station Hours:
Thursday (5/14): 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday (5/15): 8 a.m. – 7 p.m
Saturday (5/16): 8 a.m. – 2 p.m
Sunday (5/17): 8 a.m. – 2 p.m
Water Distribution Station Locations:
Wildwood Amphitheater
2700 Joslyn Court
Lake Orion, MI 48360
NOTE: PLEASE ENTER OFF OF WALDON AND EXIT OFF OF JOSLYN
Village of Lake Orion
Atwater Park
426 Atwater Street
Lake Orion, MI 48362
Auburn Hills
Auburn Hills Department of Public Works
1500 Brown Road
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Can I flush my toilet?
Yes!
Can I shower?
Yes! Review Oakland County Health Guidelines for Boil Water Advisory.
Can I use my dishwasher or washing machine?
Yes!
Can I use my sprinkler system?
Yes!
Can I use tap water to make coffee?
No! Bottled water is recommended for coffee machines. Coffee machines do not heat water to a temperature sufficient for decontamination. Review Oakland County Health Guidelines for Boil Water Advisory.
Can I use non-boiled tap water to wash my hands?
Yes! Using hand sanitizer afterward is also recommended. Review Oakland County Health Guidelines for Boil Water Advisory.
When can we expect the boil water advisory to be lifted?
The boil water advisory is in place until further notice. The boil water advisory will be lifted as soon as safely possible.
What about restaurants?
At this time, restaurants may operate their kitchens and water use at normal levels. However, the Boil Water Advisory remains in place.
From a boil water advisory standpoint, commercial dishwashers are considered safe for sanitation purposes. Tap water filtered through coffee machines is not safe to drink. Fountain drinks connected to the tap water system is not safe to drink. Food preparation must be done following Boil Water Advisory guidelines for safe food preparation and handling.
Food establishments are encouraged to view our local health official’s Food Service Emergency Action Plan here.
It is okay for patrons and employees to use restrooms and wash their hands. While the boil water advisory is in effect, hand sanitizer should be used after handwashing.
Please direct any additional health or sanitation concerns to health@oakgov.com.
When can I/my loved one return to their assisted living facility?
Residents at assisted living facilities may return. Please check with your facility to learn about the return plan.
Is the Orion Recreation Center (ORC) open?
With use restrictions now lifted, the ORC and indoor pool (back up to temp!) will be open tomorrow as usual. However, as we remain under a boil water advisory, the drinking fountains and steam room will not be available for use at this time.
When will schools reopen?
Schools may reopen when they are prepared to do so, operating under boil water advisory guidelines.
How do I safely handle food and hygiene during a boil water advisory ?
View Great Lakes Water Authority’s Water Boil Advisory FAQ here.
Review Oakland County Health Guidelines for Boil Water Advisory.
Food establishments are encouraged to view our local health official’s Food Service Emergency Action Plan here.
How do I signup to receive emergency alerts?
All Orion residents are encouraged to subscribe to receive free emergency alerts through CivicPlus. Residents can also text OrionMI to 38276 to subscribe.
How can I subscribe to receive email updates?
Email updates have been sent through GovDelivery.
Subscribe to either an Orion Township or Orion Parks & Recreation distribution list.
How can I help others during this emergency?
Reach out to homebound neighbors or anyone who might need special assistance.
If you’re on well water, open your water source to friends, neighbors, the public to the extent you’re comfortable.
Sign up to volunteer at one of our water distribution sites.
Sign up to volunteer a service.
Residents are currently being provided with one gallon of water per person in the household. If a distribution site temporarily runs out of water, supply trucks will replenish inventory and return as quickly as possible (typically within a few hours) to resume distribution operations.
What if I am an essential business and have not been provided with sanitation support?
Complete the Businesses Seeking Information from OTFD request form.
What are other information sources or resources I should use/aware of?
Oakland Connects
(800) 848-5533
Oakland Connects Helpline (formerly Nurse on Call):
Call 800-848-5533
OCHelpline@oakgov.com
Oakland County Michigan Health Department
Water Distribution Site Volunteer Signup
Volunteer Signup for those offering a service
Businesses with questions for the Fire Department request form
