Novi, Michigan, September 30, 2025
News Summary
A significant water main break on 14 Mile Road in Novi, Michigan, has led to severe disruptions, including a boil water alert for neighboring cities. The break in a 42-inch transmission main owned by the Great Lakes Water Authority caused widespread lack of water pressure, forcing the cancellation of classes in the Novi Community School District and the closure of local businesses. Repairs to the main are expected to take up to 10-15 days, while residents are urged to boil water before use due to safety concerns.
Novi, Michigan experienced significant disruptions on Thursday morning due to a major water main break on 14 Mile Road west of M-5. The break involved a rupture in a 42-inch transmission main owned by the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA), leading to a lack of water pressure not only in Novi but also in neighboring municipalities.
As a direct consequence of the break, a boil water alert was issued for the nearby cities of Wixom, Commerce Township, and Walled Lake. Residents in these areas were advised to boil their water for at least one minute before consumption and to limit non-essential water use due to concerns over potential bacterial contamination resulting from the drop in pressure.
The lack of water service prompted the Novi Community School District to cancel classes for the day, as the inability to operate restrooms effectively compromised hygiene and safety for students and staff. Closure also affected local businesses such as Ford’s Garage and Big Dip Burgers, which were forced to shut down due to the water outage. City Hall and the Novi Public Library also closed because essential services could not be maintained without water.
City officials quickly mobilized to address the rupture, beginning repairs on the water main. They anticipated the restoration of service would take several hours, though fully resolving the situation might require up to one week to 10-15 days, depending on unforeseen complications. As of Monday, the boil water advisory remains in effect for affected areas as repairs continue, compounded by high demand for water usage during peak times.
Residents in the region continue to express worries regarding the lack of water as they navigate daily activities. Local officials are conducting water testing to ensure public safety, with negative results required twice, 24 hours apart, before the boil advisory can be lifted.
City officials have called for residents to curb activities such as watering lawns and using irrigation systems to conserve the limited water supply available and reduce pressure on the system, further highlighting the challenges posed by the incident.
Key Details of the Incident
- Location: 14 Mile Road west of M-5, Novi, Michigan
- Cause: Rupture in a 42-inch transmission main
- Affected Areas: Novi, Wixom, Commerce Township, Walled Lake
- Status: Boil water advisory in effect for affected areas
- School Closures: Classes canceled in Novi Community School District
- Business Impact: Local businesses forced to close due to water outage
- Estimated Repair Time: 1 week to 10-15 days
FAQs
- What caused the water main break?
- A rupture in a 42-inch transmission main owned by the Great Lakes Water Authority caused the water main break.
- Which areas are under a boil water advisory?
- The boil water advisory was issued for Wixom, Commerce Township, and Walled Lake due to the loss of water pressure.
- Why were schools closed?
- Classes were canceled in the Novi Community School District because the lack of water service made it impossible to operate restrooms and maintain hygiene.
- What should residents do with their water?
- Residents were advised to boil water for at least one minute before consumption and to limit non-essential water use.
- How long will repairs take?
- The estimate for completing repairs could range from one week to 10-15 days, depending on unforeseen issues.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Water Main Break Location | 14 Mile Road west of M-5, Novi, Michigan |
| Cause of the Break | Rupture in a 42-inch transmission main |
| Affected Areas | Novi, Wixom, Commerce Township, Walled Lake |
| Status of Repairs | Estimate of 1 week to 10-15 days |
| Impact on Schools | No classes in Novi Community School District |
| Boil Water Advisory | In effect for affected areas |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Detroit News
- Click On Detroit
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: Novi, Michigan
- 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.
