DETROIT (AP) — A makeshift system of plastic pipe, garden hoses, duct tape and towels is providing water service to a downtown Detroit coffeehouse and an adjoining jewelry store as city repairs to the water system are on hold.

The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department hooked up the system to a fire hydrant several months ago following a water main problem, but two area buildings are too unstable for immediate repairs, the Detroit Free Press reported (http://on.freep.com/1x1UU5z ).