Novi, September 30, 2025
News Summary
A major water main break on 14 Mile Road in Novi has caused significant disruptions to water service for residents and businesses. This incident has led to a boil water advisory affecting Novi, Wixom, Commerce Township, and Walled Lake. Repairs are underway, but some residents face low water pressure or complete loss of service. Officials recommend boiling water before use due to potential contamination risks. The local authorities are actively working to restore normal service as quickly as possible while asking residents to limit water usage.
Novi, Michigan – A significant water main break occurred early Thursday morning on 14 Mile Road, severely disrupting water service across the city and in surrounding communities. The break, reported at 7:20 a.m., has resulted in low water pressure for much of Novi, with several residents experiencing complete loss of water service. The repair efforts are ongoing, and a boil water advisory has been issued for several areas.
By 2 p.m. the same day, crews managing the repair work had isolated four of the seven necessary valves, allowing them to begin addressing the damage to the 42-inch Great Lakes Water Authority main. Repair crews are expected to work late into the evening to restore full service. This infrastructure issue has led to several nearby school closures in districts affected by the break. Although Novi schools initially planned to remain open, they later decided to cancel classes in light of the disruptions.
The boil water advisory now encompasses not only parts of Novi but also includes the cities of Wixom, Commerce Township, and Walled Lake. Residents living in these areas are advised to boil their water for at least one minute prior to using it for drinking, food preparation, making ice, tooth brushing, and dishwashing. Those requiring non-drinking water can collect it from the public works department until 9 p.m. the same day, although they must bring their own containers.
The Great Lakes Water Authority has been actively working on repairing the transmission main, successfully completing external welding on a new section of pipe, with internal welding currently underway. Despite these efforts, residents in Wixom and surrounding communities will remain under the boil water advisory as low water pressure persists. The advisory is necessary due to the potential risk of bacteria in the water supply due to the compromised main.
Officials have recommended using bottled water as an alternative for drinking and personal hygiene during the advisory. Novi officials have submitted water samples for testing with hopes of lifting the advisory promptly. However, it should be noted that the advisory was briefly lifted on Friday but had to be reinstated the following Monday due to continued low pressure issues. These issues are being attributed to high water consumption during peak hours while emergency connections remain active.
Local officials are urging residents to limit water usage, specifically for outdoor irrigation systems, as these are contributing to the low pressure problems. The water main break has also caused significant disruptions for local businesses, with closures impacting their daily operations. Furthermore, traffic patterns on 14 Mile Road have been altered as utility work continues in the area.
A new advisement stated that it may take at least 24 hours from the time the boil water advisory is issued to properly lift the advisory after the repairs have been completed.
FAQs
What caused the water main break in Novi?
A water main break occurred on 14 Mile Road in Novi at 7:20 a.m. on Thursday morning.
What areas are affected by the boil water advisory?
A boil water advisory has been issued and includes Wixom, Commerce Township, and Walled Lake, along with parts of Novi.
What should residents do during the boil water advisory?
Residents are advised to boil water for at least one minute before using it for drinking, preparing food, making ice, brushing teeth, and washing dishes.
When can the boil water advisory be lifted?
It may take at least 24 hours to lift the boil water advisory once it is issued.
Summary of the Water Main Break Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date and Time of Break | Thursday, 7:20 a.m. |
| Location | 14 Mile Road, Novi |
| Service Disruption | Low water pressure, some residents without water |
| Boil Water Advisory Areas | Novi, Wixom, Commerce Township, Walled Lake |
| Recommendations for Residents | Boil water for at least one minute before use |
| Public Works Assistance Time | Until 9 p.m. |
| Potential Resolution Time | 24 hours after repairs completion |
| Impact on Local Businesses | Significant disruptions and closures |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Detroit News
- Click on Detroit
- CBS News Detroit
- Fox 2 Detroit
- WXYZ
- Wikipedia: Water Supply
- Google Search: Water Main Breaks
- Google Scholar: Water Infrastructure Issues
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Supply
- Google News: Boil Water Advisory
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.
