Novi, September 30, 2025
News Summary
Novi Community School District will reopen on Friday following a water main break that caused significant service disruptions and school closures. Although water pressure has been restored, students will be under a boil water advisory and will not be allowed to use drinking fountains. Each school will provide water for student hydration. Concerns over scheduled homecoming events remain due to the ongoing repair situation. The Great Lakes Water Authority is handling the repairs, and the boil water advisory could last until later in the week.
Novi Community School District will reopen on Friday after previously closing due to a significant water main break that caused widespread service disruptions. The water pressure in the area has since been restored, allowing toilets and other water systems in schools to function properly.
Superintendent Ben Mainka announced that while schools will resume operations, the district remains under a boil water advisory. Under this advisory, students will not be permitted to use drinking fountains or bottle fillers within the schools. Instead, each building will provide water to students to ensure hydration without risking health.
The major water main break occurred on 14 Mile Road west of M-5, leading to the necessary closure of many schools in the area and affecting health and sanitation conditions. In turn, this prompted class cancellations as the inability to maintain necessary sanitary conditions and operate bathrooms rendered the facilities non-viable for student attendance.
Parents have voiced their concerns over homecoming events scheduled for the weekend, which include a parade, game, and dance. Superintendent Mainka stated that the timing of these events remains contingent on the repair of the water main, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
In addition to the affected Novi schools, other educational institutions such as Detroit Catholic Central, Meadowbrook Elementary, and Walled Lake Elementary also faced closures due to low water supply issues. As part of the community response, Novi’s Department of Public Works is providing non-drinkable water for residents to utilize for toilet flushing through a drive-through service.
As of Monday, nearby areas including Wixom, Commerce Township, and Walled Lake remain under a boil water advisory—an ongoing issue brought on by continued low water pressure in these communities.
Responsibility for the water transmission line falls to the Great Lakes Water Authority, which is actively conducting repairs on a damaged 42-inch water main. Crews have completed external welding and have begun internal welding of the new pipe section.
Residents have been advised to boil water before usage, particularly for drinking and food preparation, to eliminate potential bacteria risk. Although a boil water advisory was briefly lifted, it was reinstated early Monday due to an uptick in water demand and peak usage during the ongoing repairs. Several schools, including those in the Walled Lake Consolidated School District, have also canceled classes due to water supply constraints.
Novi residents are encouraged to limit their water usage, especially for irrigation, which increases strain on the water system. Water quality testing is currently ongoing, and results will determine when the boil water advisory can be lifted. A best-case scenario predicts that the advisory might be resolved by Tuesday, although it could extend through Wednesday.
Summary of Key Events:
– Novi Community School District reopens Friday under boil water advisory.
– Schools will provide water; drinking fountains are off-limits.
– Water main break affected schools, prompting closures.
– Community initiatives to provide non-drinkable water for toilet use.
– Boil water advisory remains in effect for Novi and nearby areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Novi Community Schools reopen?
Novi Community School District will reopen on Friday after previously closing due to a water main break.
Will students be able to use drinking fountains?
No, students will not be allowed to use drinking fountains or bottle fillers, but schools will provide water at each building.
What caused the school closures?
A major water main break occurred on 14 Mile Road west of M-5, leading to widespread school closures and service disruptions.
What is the current status of the boil water advisory?
The district continues to be under a boil water advisory, which was briefly lifted but reinstated early Monday due to increased water demand.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| School Reopening Date | Friday |
| Current Advisory | Boil water advisory in effect |
| Facilities Usage | No drinking fountains or bottle fillers |
| Community Initiatives | Non-drinkable water provided for toilet use |
| Repair Status | Welding of the new pipe section ongoing |
| Water Quality Testing | Ongoing, results will dictate advisory lifting |
