Detroit extreme-heat protections: cooling centers and DWSD water shutoffs

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield signed an executive order on July 1, 2026 directing city departments to expand extreme-heat protections for residents and city workers. The order focuses on cooling-center access and a limit on Detroit Water & Sewerage Department (DWSD) water shutoffs during the city’s defined extreme-heat period.

The National Weather Service issued an Extreme Heat Warning for Detroit through 8 p.m. Friday, July 3. The City’s July 2 update lists which cooling centers are open Friday, July 3 and which facilities close for the July 4 holiday.

What counts as “extreme heat” under the executive order

The City says the National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS) defines extreme heat as a “period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90°F for at least two to three days.” The order adds: “In Detroit, these conditions began yesterday and are forecast to continue through Friday.”

Cooling centers during the warning (Friday, July 3)

The executive order also directs the City to extend cooling-center hours through September 15th from 9AM until 9 PM as necessary. For the Friday, July 3 portion of the current warning, the City lists these cooling centers:

• Patton Recreation Center (2301 Woodmere St., Detroit, MI 48209): Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Farwell Recreation Center (2711 E. Outer Drive, Detroit, MI 48234): Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Williams Recreation Center (8431 Rosa Parks, Detroit, MI 48206): Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The City also says Detroit Public Library’s Main Library (5201 Woodward Ave.) will serve as a respite location on Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Holiday-closure notes from the City: all other recreation centers will be closed in observance of the July 4 holiday; all other Detroit Public Library branches will be closed Friday, July 3; and the Main Library will be closed Saturday, July 4.

What the executive order directs for workers

The executive order directs all city departments to adhere to and distribute extreme-heat guidelines for all workers, with emphasis on people who work outside—including police officers, firefighters and medics, road workers, water department workers, and more.

Public-media guidance during the current warning also emphasizes practical safety steps. WDET reports the City’s emergency preparedness director recommended a “buddy system” to ensure people check on neighbors (especially those living alone) and to stay connected, along with guidance on hydration and caution that fans alone won’t cool you down enough when heat and humidity are high.

DWSD water shutoff limits during extreme heat (and when shutoffs can still happen)

The executive order directs DWSD to not shut off water services during the extreme-heat period except for limited situations. In other words, the order limits shutoffs to cases that are at the request of the customer or to fix a broken main, with the intent of ensuring residents can have relief from the heat during the defined extreme-heat window.

What to watch next

Cooling-center access and holiday closures are tied to the current warning timeline. If the heat warning is extended or new guidance is posted, residents and caregivers should check the City’s updates before planning where to cool down.

Sources

• City of Detroit — Executive order on extreme heat (Mayor Mary Sheffield, July 1, 2026)
• ClickOnDetroit (WDIV Local 4) — Executive order halts water shutoffs during extreme heat (coverage dated July 1/2, 2026)
• WDET (Detroit Evening Report) — Extreme heat guidance during the warning (dated July 1, 2026)