Novi, September 30, 2025
News Summary
A significant water main break on 14 Mile Road in Novi has led to a boil water advisory affecting multiple communities, including Commerce Township, Walled Lake, and Wixom. Schools in the area will resume classes but will not allow access to drinking fountains. Residents are advised to boil water before use as repairs are underway by the Great Lakes Water Authority. The advisory may be lifted by early next week, pending water quality tests.
Novi
A water main break in Novi has prompted a boil water advisory for multiple communities, including Commerce Township, Walled Lake, Wixom, and parts of Novi. The break, which occurred in a 42-inch transmission main on 14 Mile Road, was reported on Thursday morning and led to a significant loss of water pressure in the area.
The Novi Community School District is set to resume classes on Friday after temporarily closing due to the break. Superintendent Ben Mainka updated parents that while water pressure has been restored and school facilities are operational, schools remain under a boil water advisory. As a safety measure, students will not have access to drinking fountains or bottle fillers. Instead, alternative water supplies will be provided at school buildings.
The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) is actively working to isolate and repair the damaged main. Utilities have closed the Columbus Medical Center on 12 Mile due to the water main break. However, patient care at Henry Ford Hospital is not affected, as the hospital is utilizing bottled water for its operations.
In the affected areas, residents are required to boil water before use until further notice to eliminate potential bacteria. It is recommended to boil the water for at least one minute and allow it to cool before using it. The use of bottled water is also suggested for drinking and food preparation.
Several schools, including Loon Lake and Wixom Elementary, have closed due to low water supply, and Sarah G. Banks Middle School has an early release scheduled. The boil water advisory was initially lifted for Wixom but was reinstated when low water pressure was reported on Monday morning.
Residents are advised to limit outdoor water usage, particularly on irrigation systems, to help alleviate pressure on the water system. The GLWA has started welding a new section of the pipe and is conducting inspections in the surrounding areas. City officials are collecting samples for water quality testing, aiming to lift the advisory by Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on the results.
The boil water advisory affects residents in Walled Lake and Commerce Township as well. Traffic changes are being implemented on 14 Mile Road as utility work continues in the area. Local residents have begun adjusting to the water issues, with many boiling water for basic uses, while remaining optimistic about a swift resolution to the situation.
Local businesses are adapting to the situation, with suppliers managing to keep bottled water available despite the increased demand.
Key Details
- Water Main Break Location: 14 Mile Road, Novi
- School District Status: Resume classes on Friday under boil water advisory
- Boil Water Advisory: In effect for Novi, Commerce Township, Walled Lake, and Wixom
- Health Precautions: Boil water for at least one minute, use bottled water for consumption and food preparation
- Expected Resolution: Possible lifting of advisory by Tuesday or Wednesday pending test results
- Local Business Adaptation: Increased availability of bottled water despite high demand
FAQs
What caused the water main break in Novi?
A break in a 42-inch transmission main on 14 Mile Road led to widespread loss of water pressure in Novi and neighboring areas.
What areas are affected by the boil water advisory?
The advisory is in effect for communities in Commerce Township, Walled Lake, Wixom, and parts of Novi.
How should residents prepare water affected by the advisory?
Residents need to boil water before use until further notice to kill potential bacteria. It is suggested to boil water for at least one minute and let it cool before using; bottled water is also recommended for drinking and food preparation.
When will students be able to use drinking fountains again?
Students are not allowed to use drinking fountains or bottle fillers due to the advisory; alternative water supplies will be provided at school buildings until the advisory is lifted.
When is the boil water advisory expected to be lifted?
City officials are collecting samples for water quality testing, and they hope to lift the boil water advisory by Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on test results.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Water main break in Novi |
| Break Location | 14 Mile Road |
| Impacted Areas | Novi, Commerce Township, Walled Lake, Wixom |
| Boil Water Advisory | In effect for all affected areas |
| School Status | Resuming classes under advisory |
| Resolution Timeline | Potentially Tuesday or Wednesday |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Major Water Main Break Disrupts Novi and Surrounding Areas
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Novi Community Schools to Reopen After Water Main Break
Boil Water Advisory in Novi After Water Main Break
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Additional Resources
- Detroit News: Boil Water Alert
- ClickOnDetroit: Boil Water Advisory
- CBS News: Wixom Water Pressure Advisories
- WXYZ: Water Main Breaks Explained
- Google Search: Novi water main break
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.
