Novi, Michigan, September 30, 2025
News Summary
A major water main break in Novi, Michigan, has led to significant disruptions, including school closures and a boil water advisory. The break, involving a 42-inch transmission main, caused low water pressure, prompting local authorities to take immediate action. Several schools, including Loon Lake and Wixom Elementary, have closed while residents are advised to boil water for safety. Non-drinkable water supplies have been provided for flushing toilets, and drinkable water is available at designated sites. Repair efforts are underway with hopes to restore service and lift the advisory soon.
Novi, Michigan – Water Main Break Leads to School Closures and Boil Water Advisory
A significant water main break occurred on 14 Mile Road west of M-5 in Novi, Michigan, early Thursday morning, resulting in several school closures and a drastic reduction of water pressure in the area. The break involved a 42-inch transmission water main, severely impacting local water supply systems.
The city of Novi promptly reported the issue on its official Facebook page and dispatched a crew to the site; however, no initial estimated time for repairs was available. The city forewarned that once service is restored, all affected areas will be required to observe a boil water notice.
In light of the situation, local school districts took immediate action, closing schools such as Loon Lake and Wixom Elementary in the Walled Lake Consolidated School District, due to a low water supply. The City Hall was also closed, and residents seeking absentee ballots were directed to contact the City Clerk’s Office.
To assist residents, the city provided non-drinkable water available for flushing toilets at the Department of Public Works located on Lee BeGole Drive until 9 p.m. Thursday, with residents required to bring their own containers. In contrast, drinkable water was available at ITC Community Sports Park until the same time.
Ongoing Repairs and Advisory Details
The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) announced that crews are actively working on the broken transmission main. So far, external welding of a new section of pipe has been completed, while internal welding is underway. Due to low water pressure in the region, a boil water advisory has been reissued for Wixom, Commerce Township, Walled Lake, and parts of Novi.
Residents are advised to boil water for at least one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth. The low water pressure has been attributed to high water demand during peak usage times and the necessity of using emergency connections. Water quality testing has begun, with hopes to lift the boil water advisory by Tuesday or Wednesday of next week if all goes well.
As a preventative measure, city officials are urging residents to restrict water usage, especially for lawn irrigation. The Great Lakes Water Authority has recommended that outdoor irrigation systems be turned off to aid in conserving water supply.
To allow compliance with the advisory, local businesses in the area, including Buddy’s Pizza in Novi, are adjusting their operations to supply bottled water to customers. Local grocery stores have also been reported to maintain adequate supplies of bottled water throughout this situation.
Future Steps
For the boil water advisory to be lifted, water quality testing requires two consecutive clean samples taken 24 hours apart. City officials remain optimistic that service can be restored promptly and with safe drinking water as soon as possible.
FAQ
- What caused the school closures in Novi, Michigan? A 42-inch transmission water main broke, leading to low water pressure and school closures.
- Where can residents get non-drinkable water? Non-drinkable water was available at the Department of Public Works on Lee BeGole Drive until 9 p.m. Thursday for flushing toilets.
- What are residents advised to do about their water? Residents are advised to boil water for at least one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth.
- What schools were closed due to the water main break? Loon Lake Elementary and Wixom Elementary schools were closed because of the low water supply.
- When is the boil water advisory expected to end? City officials hope to lift the boil water advisory by Tuesday or Wednesday if water testing results are favorable.
Key Features of the Water Main Break Situation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Novi, Michigan |
| Water Main Size | 42-inch transmission main |
| Impact | School closures, boil water advisory |
| Schools Affected | Loon Lake and Wixom Elementary |
| Available Water Sources | Department of Public Works, ITC Community Sports Park |
| Advisory Duration | Until testing shows clean samples |
| Expected Advisory End Date | Possibly by Tuesday or Wednesday |
