Novi, Michigan, September 30, 2025
News Summary
A significant water main break on 14 Mile Road in Novi has led to closures of schools and local businesses due to loss of water pressure. The Great Lakes Water Authority is working on repairs but has issued boil water advisories for affected communities, recommending residents boil their water for safety. The disruption is exacerbated by aging infrastructure dating back to the 1970s.
Novi, Michigan is currently experiencing significant disruptions due to a water main break that occurred last Thursday on 14 Mile Road west of M-5. This incident has led to business closures and school shutdowns across several communities, including Novi, Wixom, Walled Lake, and Commerce Township, as most of these areas have lost water pressure.
The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) crews have been diligently working on repairs for the past five days. However, on Monday, the GLWA reported another loss of pressure, prompting the reissue of boil water advisories in several cities. These advisories were put in place due to health and safety concerns regarding water quality.
Local businesses have felt the impact of the situation, with restaurants like Big Dip Burgers in Walled Lake closing for the entire day due to the inability to perform basic sanitary tasks. Additionally, several schools dismissed students early or closed altogether because of insufficient water supply, and Wixom Public Library also had to close due to affected restroom facilities as a result of low water pressure.
As a temporary measure during this crisis, local businesses have begun stocking up on bottled water for their customers. The GLWA has recommended that all residents boil their water until further notice, instructing them to boil water for at least one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth. Outdoor water use restrictions have also been implemented, urging residents to turn off irrigation systems to help ease demand.
Concerns have been raised regarding the age of the water infrastructure in Novi, as the water pipes date back to the 1970s. Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash stated that these 50-year-old pipes should not cause this level of disruption. Despite these ongoing issues, the GLWA has indicated that water pressure is expected to improve as they isolate the break and continue repairs. Though water service was restored to affected areas by Friday morning, the boil water advisories remained in effect.
The GLWA has communicated that it may take several weeks to complete the necessary repairs on the damaged water main. Residents have been advised to fill bathtubs or containers with water as a backup supply in case of further interruptions. As of the latest updates, the boil water advisory for some neighborhoods is expected to last until at least Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on the outcomes of water testing. In the meantime, the GLWA has been delivering water trucks to neighborhoods to assist affected residents and businesses with water supply.
Impact Overview
- Incident: Water main break on 14 Mile Road, Novi.
- Areas Affected: Novi, Wixom, Walled Lake, Commerce Township.
- Response: GLWA crews have been repairing for five days.
- Boil Water Advisory: Issued due to health and safety concerns.
- School Closures: Several schools closed or dismissed students early.
- Business Impact: Local businesses closed; some stocked bottled water.
- Infrastructure Age: Water pipes date back to the 1970s.
Recommended Actions
- Boil water for at least one minute before use.
- Fill bathtubs or containers with water as a backup supply.
- Turn off irrigation systems to ease water demand.
Future Expectations
Water service restoration has occurred, but boil advisories remain; GLWA estimates repairs will take several weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the disruptions in Oakland County?
A water main break occurred last Thursday on 14 Mile Road west of M-5 in Novi, Michigan.
Which communities are affected by the water main break?
The communities affected include Novi, Wixom, Walled Lake, and Commerce Township.
What measures has the GLWA taken to address the issue?
GLWA crews have been working to repair the damage for five days, and water service was restored to affected areas by Friday morning.
What should residents do regarding the boil water advisory?
Residents were instructed to boil water for at least one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth.
How long are the boil water advisories expected to last?
As of last reports, the boil water advisory for some neighborhoods was expected to last until at least Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on water testing results.
Key Features of the Water Main Break Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 14 Mile Road west of M-5, Novi, Michigan |
| Date of Incident | Last Thursday |
| Affected Communities | Novi, Wixom, Walled Lake, Commerce Township |
| GLWA Response Time | Five days of repair efforts |
| Boil Water Advisory Issued | Due to health and safety concerns |
| Closure of Schools | Several schools closed or dismissed students early |
| Business Closures | Local restaurants closed; bottled water stocked |
| Outdoor Water Use Restrictions | Residents advised to turn off irrigation systems |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Major Water Main Break Disrupts Novi, Michigan
Significant Water Main Break Disrupts Service in Novi
Novi Faces Water Main Break Disrupting City Services
Water Main Break Causes School Closures in Novi
Major Water Main Break Disrupts Novi and Surrounding Areas
Water Service Restored After Major Break in Novi
Novi Community Schools to Reopen After Water Main Break
Boil Water Advisory in Novi After Water Main Break
Water Main Break Causes Boil Water Advisory in Novi
Oakland County Reissues Boil Water Advisory
Additional Resources
- WXYZ: Water Main Break in Novi Continues to Impact Oakland County Businesses and Schools
- Wikipedia: Novi, Michigan
- Click On Detroit: City of Novi Provides Update on Water Main Break
- Google Search: Water Main Break Novi Michigan
- CBS News: Water Main Break in Novi, Michigan – Day 2
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Main
- Detroit News: Novi, Wixom, Commerce Twp, Walled Lake Remain Under Boil Water Alert
- Google News: Water Main Break Novi
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.
