Novi, MI, September 28, 2025
News Summary
A significant water main break on 14 Mile Road in Novi has resulted in a boil water advisory for local residents. The break of a 42-inch transmission main has disrupted water service to thousands, leading to school closures and hospitals switching to bottled water. Repair crews are working on isolating and fixing the break, estimated to take 10 to 15 days, while residents are advised to boil water for safety until the supply is confirmed safe.
Novi, MI – A significant water main break on September 25, 2025, has led to a boil water advisory for residents in Novi and surrounding areas. The break involved a 42-inch transmission water main located on 14 Mile Road, near M-5, disrupting water service to thousands. Although water pressure has been restored, officials urge residents to continue boiling water for consumption until further notice.
Repair crews from the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) have isolated the break and are actively making repairs. The organization estimates that completing these repairs will take between 10 to 15 days. GLWA’s Chief Operating Officer has indicated that the complexity of isolating the affected area contributes to the extended timeline.
In light of the main break, several local schools have faced closures due to the loss of running water. Providence Hospital has switched to using bottled water while restricting tap water usage, and the Henry Ford Columbus Medical Center remains closed due to the disruptions caused by the incident. The GLWA has advised residents in the impacted area to limit water usage and to boil water for at least one minute before using it for drinking, food preparation, and cleaning.
Residents are encouraged to use bottled or disinfected water for their daily activities until a safe water supply is confirmed. The advisory will be lifted once laboratory tests indicate that the water is safe for consumption.
The 42-inch pipe that broke was originally installed in 1973, and the age of the infrastructure has complicated the repair process. GLWA officials have expressed concerns about maintaining and upgrading aging water systems, emphasizing the necessity for increased funding to prevent similar incidents in the future. Assessments conducted by GLWA have revealed multiple segments of the pipeline that are at risk of failure, and several have recently undergone repairs to extend their functionality.
The areas affected by the water main break extend beyond Novi, encompassing parts of Walled Lake and Wixom, impacting numerous homes and businesses. Traffic patterns around the repair site are being adjusted, resulting in ongoing disruptions that local residents are experiencing.
Repair Timeline and Ongoing Advisory
The estimated timeline for repairs is outlined as a 10 to 15-day process. During this time, residents must follow the boil water advisory for safety.
Community Impact
The water main break has had a significant impact on the community, with schools closing and hospitals switching to bottled water leading to logistical challenges.
Conclusion
The GLWA continues to address the situation and evaluate the condition of the aging water infrastructure to reduce the risk of future breaks.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
- What caused the boil water advisory in Novi?
- A large water main break occurred on 14 Mile Road, near M-5, involving a 42-inch transmission water main.
- How long will the boil water advisory remain in effect?
- The boil water advisory will remain in effect until laboratory tests confirm water safety.
- How should water be prepared for consumption during the advisory?
- Water should be boiled for at least one minute before cooling for drinking, food preparation, and cleaning.
- What are the estimated timelines for the repairs?
- The estimated timeline for completing the repair is between 10 to 15 days.
- What precautions are being taken by hospitals in the area?
- Providence Hospital switched to bottled water and restricted tap water usage, while Henry Ford Columbus Medical Center remained closed.
Key Features of the Water Main Break Incident
| Key Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | September 25, 2025 |
| Location | 14 Mile Road near M-5, Novi, MI |
| Type of Pipe | 42-inch transmission water main |
| Duration of Boil Water Advisory | Until water safety is confirmed via laboratory tests |
| Estimated Repair Timeline | 10 to 15 days |
| Areas Affected | Novi, Walled Lake, Wixom |
| Hospital Responses | Providence Hospital using bottled water; Henry Ford Columbus Medical Center closed |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Novi Faces Boil Water Advisory Following Major Water Main Break
Novi Faces Water Outage and Boil Water Advisory
Water Main Break Causes School Closures in Novi
Novi Water Service Disruption Due to Major Pipe Break
Water Main Break in Novi Causes Disruption and School Closures
Major Water Main Break Causes Disruptions in Novi
Novi Faces Water Pressure Crisis Due to Main Break
Novi, Michigan Faces Major Water Main Disruption
Water Service Disruption in Novi Following Water Main Break
Novi, Michigan Faces Boil Water Advisory After Water Main Break
Additional Resources
- ClickOnDetroit: Boil Water Advisory in Oakland County
- Wikipedia: Boil Water Advisory
- WXYZ: GLWA Explains Water Main Breaks
- Google Search: Water Main Breaks
- Fox 2 Detroit: Novi Water Main Break Repairs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Water
- Freep: Novi Under Boil Water Advisory
- Google News: Boil Water Advisory
- CBS News: Novi Water Pressure Issues
- Audacy: Water Main Break in Novi
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
