Oakland County businesses working to move forward amid water main break repairs

May 13, 2026 - 03:08

Being a small business owner comes with its own challenges, and when you add a pipe burst to the mix, Lake Orion Coffee Shop owner Charlie McClenaghan says you never really know how to prepare. The recent water main break in Oakland County sent a shockwave through the local economy, flooding streets and disrupting daily operations for dozens of shops and restaurants. For McClenaghan, the trouble started early in the morning when water began seeping through the floorboards, forcing him to close the doors for two days.

The break, which occurred on a main artery in the county, left many businesses without running water or safe access to their storefronts. Some had to toss out perishable inventory, while others lost a full day of revenue during a typically busy weekend. McClenaghan estimates the closure cost him several thousand dollars in lost sales and spoiled goods. But he is not pointing fingers. He says the repair crews have been working around the clock, and he is grateful the damage was not worse.

Across the street, a family-owned bakery faced similar setbacks. The owner spent hours mopping up water and salvaging what she could. She says the community has rallied, with neighbors offering to help clean and regulars stopping by just to check in. That support, she adds, is what keeps her going.

As crews continue to patch the broken pipe and restore full pressure to the system, local business owners are taking it day by day. They are adjusting hours, running on bottled water, and doing what they can to stay open. McClenaghan says the experience has taught him to expect the unexpected. For now, he is focused on rebuilding and welcoming customers back with a hot cup of coffee and a smile.