Water authority: Pumping stations did not fail during storm

DETROIT (AP) – The head of a regional water and wastewater agency says Friday that two water pumping stations in Detroit experienced power-related problems but did not fail during a heavy rainstorm last week that left basements, streets and even freeways flooded.

Great Lakes Water Authority Chief Executive Sue McCormick told reporters that due to an electrical service issue only three of six pumps at one station were able to be brought online, while a power outage at a second station slowed efforts to turn three of its pumps on as the rain poured.

McCormick says the stations were overwhelmed by the 7-8 inches of rain that fell in less than 19 hours between June 25-26.