October 1, 2025

Novi Lifts Boil Water Advisory After Testing

Novi MI, October 1, 2025

News Summary

The City of Novi has lifted its Boil Water Advisory after two rounds of negative bacteria testing. The advisory was initially issued due to a significant 42-inch water main break that caused flooding. Neighboring communities, including Wixom and Commerce Township, continue to face challenges with water pressure, prompting ongoing advisories. Huron Valley Hospital remains unaffected as the Great Lakes Water Authority works to flush systems and restore quality. Residents are reminded to boil water for safety and conserve resources during this period.

Novi

The City of Novi has officially lifted its Boil Water Advisory as of Tuesday afternoon after successfully completing two rounds of negative bacteria testing. The advisory was first instated following a significant 42-inch water main break that occurred last Thursday on 14 Mile Road near M-5, which flooded the surrounding area.

The initial water main break has affected not only residents of Novi but also those in neighboring communities such as Wixom, Commerce Township, and Walled Lake. While Novi has resolved its issue, low water pressure conditions continue to persist, prompting city officials to reissue the advisory for Wixom, Commerce Township, and Walled Lake on Monday. The situation has been exacerbated by what officials describe as “over-consumption” of water during peak hours.

It’s important to note that Huron Valley Hospital in Commerce Township is not impacted by the advisory. To assist residents and restore water quality, the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) is working alongside the affected communities. Their efforts include flushing water systems to promptly lift the remaining boil water advisories.

Currently, repairs are underway at the site of the water main break, which include internal and external welding of a new pipe segment. Inspection processes are ongoing to ensure safety and functionality. Additionally, backfill operations are occurring at the break site, which involves installing a new manway. Traffic on 14 Mile Road has been redirected for safety, allowing only local traffic to pass.

Residents in affected areas are advised to boil tap water for a minimum of one minute and allow it to cool before using it for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth, or preparing food. Until further notice, residents should rely on boiled, bottled, or disinfected water. Furthermore, conservation of water resources is encouraged to alleviate stress on the system.

Schools within the Walled Lake School District have also been impacted by the advisory, resulting in temporary closures due to insufficient water supply. The advisory coverage area has been explicitly mapped to ensure residents understand which zones are affected, though residents utilizing private wells are not required to boil their water. Updates to the boil water hotline message will occur as new information becomes available.

Key Details

Boil Water Advisory Lifted: Tuesday afternoon, following negative bacteria tests.
Initial Cause: 42-inch water main break on 14 Mile Road near M-5.
Affected Communities: Novi, Wixom, Commerce Township, Walled Lake.
Low Water Pressure: Caused by over-consumption during peak hours.
Hospital Status: Huron Valley Hospital not impacted.
GLWA Involvement: Collaborating with local communities to restore water services.

Background Context

The water main break on 14 Mile Road has been a critical issue not just for Novi but has had a ripple effect on neighboring municipalities. As cities like Wixom, Commerce Township, and Walled Lake grapple with the ongoing advisories, the GLWA’s efforts to mitigate these effects reveal the importance of collaboration among local governments and water authorities. The precautionary measures taken by officials are intended to ensure that residents remain informed and safe during this period of disruption.

FAQ Section

Why was the Boil Water Advisory issued in Novi?

The advisory was issued following a 42-inch water main break on 14 Mile Road near M-5, which flooded the area and affected residents in Novi and neighboring communities.

Where is the Boil Water Advisory still in effect?

The advisory has been reissued for Wixom, Commerce Township, and Walled Lake due to ongoing low pressure issues.

What should residents do until the advisory is lifted?

Residents are advised to boil tap water for at least one minute before using it for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth, and preparing food. Boiled, bottled, or disinfected water should be used until further notice.

Are private well users affected by the advisory?

Residents with private wells are not required to boil their water.

Key Features

Feature	Details
Boil Water Advisory Status	Lifting in Novi, ongoing in surrounding areas
Water Main Break Causes	42-inch break, flooding
Communities Affected	Novi, Wixom, Commerce Township, Walled Lake
Current Advisory Actions	Boil water, conserve resources
GLWA Involvement	System flushing, advisory lifting