Novi, Michigan, September 30, 2025
News Summary
A major water main break in Novi, Michigan, has caused widespread disruptions in water service across Oakland County. Residents in Novi, Walled Lake, Wixom, and Commerce Township are under a Boil Water Advisory due to low water pressure and complete service loss. Schools in the Novi Community School District and Walled Lake have closed, and local businesses and hospitals are adapting to the crisis as repair efforts are underway. The Great Lakes Water Authority is working to stabilize water pressure, while a cautious approach is advised until water quality tests are completed.
Novi, Michigan – A significant water main break in Novi has led to widespread water service disruptions across Oakland County. The break occurred along 14 Mile Road, just west of M-5, affecting tens of thousands of residents and businesses with low water pressure or complete loss of water service.
A Boil Water Advisory is in effect for residents in Novi, Walled Lake, Wixom, and Commerce Township. Residents are advised to boil tap water for at least one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, or personal hygiene until the advisory is lifted. This precautionary measure will remain in effect until two consecutive negative water quality tests are completed, which could take at least 24 hours apart.
Due to the water service disruption, all schools in the Novi Community School District are closed as announced by the district’s superintendent. Five schools in Walled Lake, including Hickory Woods, Meadowbrook, Mary Helen Guest, Walled Lake Elementary, and the Early Childhood Center, are also closed. Additionally, Detroit Catholic Central has suspended classes amid the emergency.
The water main break has necessitated a full closure of 14 Mile Road in both directions with traffic being diverted. Drivers are advised to avoid the area as repair efforts continue. The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) is on-site to assess and repair the situation. City officials have expressed hope to stabilize water pressure within the next several hours after isolating the break.
In response to this situation, bottled water is being utilized for patient care at Henry Ford Providence Novi Hospital, although patient services remain unaffected. Meanwhile, an outdoor watering ban has been issued temporarily for West Bloomfield Township due to the emergency situation. Public libraries in Wixom have also closed because of the low water pressure.
Local businesses and residents are adjusting their daily routines in light of the boil water advisory. Many are using bottled water for various daily necessities, while stores like Busch’s and Kroger report maintaining adequate water supplies throughout the crisis. Residents are encouraged to limit water usage to help stabilize the system, particularly avoiding the use of irrigation systems.
As of now, water samples have been collected and sent for testing, which may determine when the advisory will be lifted. Officials speculate that while they hope to have the advisory lifted by Tuesday, it may extend into Wednesday. There is also a precautionary boil water notice for Commerce Township and Walled Lake due to low water pressure caused by high demand during peak times.
Summary of Affected Areas
- Affected Cities: Novi, Walled Lake, Wixom, Commerce Township
- Schools Closed: Novi Community Schools, Walled Lake Schools, Detroit Catholic Central
- Locations with Water Service Disruptions: Henry Ford Providence Novi Hospital, public libraries in Wixom
Scholastic Impact
- Novi Community School District: All schools closed
- Walled Lake Schools: 5 schools closed
Public Health Advisory
- Boil Water Advisory: In effect for affected areas
- Testing Requirement: Two consecutive negative water quality tests
Key Features of the Event
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location of Break | 14 Mile Road just west of M-5 |
| Advisory Issued | Boil Water Advisory in effect |
| Affected Population | Tens of thousands of residents |
| Schools Closed | Novi Community Schools, Walled Lake schools, Detroit Catholic Central |
| Response Agency | Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) |
| Future Tests Required | Two consecutive negative water quality tests |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- The Detroit News
- Click On Detroit
- CBS News Detroit
- Wikipedia: Water supply and sanitation in the United States
- 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.
