Novi, Michigan, September 28, 2025
News Summary
Residents in Oakland County, specifically in Novi, Walled Lake, and Wixom, are facing significant water service disruptions following a major water main break. A boil water advisory has been issued, requiring residents to boil water before use. Local businesses, particularly restaurants, are adapting their services while health facilities are utilizing bottled water. The city is offering non-drinkable water for toilets and providing bottled drinking water to the affected residents. No timeline has been given for full restoration of services.
Novi, Michigan – Thousands of residents in Oakland County are facing water service disruptions due to a significant water main break, which began early Thursday morning. The incident has resulted in widespread loss of water pressure, particularly impacting the areas of Novi, Walled Lake, and Wixom.
A boil water advisory is currently in effect for the city of Walled Lake and parts of Novi, advising residents to boil water before use to ensure safety. The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) has successfully isolated the break, and residents are beginning to notice improvements in water pressure. However, many are still navigating through the challenges of limited water access.
Local businesses, especially restaurants, are experiencing operational challenges. El Mariachi, a popular restaurant in Novi, has reported confusion among customers regarding its services due to the water shortage. The establishment can only serve bottled drinks, alcohol, and canned soda, greatly limiting its menu options. Hand-washing procedures for food service staff have also been affected, requiring more time and complexity because of the water outages.
Another local establishment, Riki Sushi, has been forced to close its doors completely, resulting in significant revenue losses. Restaurants in the region express concern over the potential impact on their busiest days, which typically fall between Thursday and Saturday.
Health facilities are also adapting to the situation. Providence Hospital is currently switching to bottled water and limiting the use of tap water while continuing to provide patient care. Meanwhile, the Henry Ford Columbus Medical Center has decided to remain closed due to the ongoing water main break.
In response to the crisis, the city is providing assistance to residents by offering non-drinkable water for toilets and drinking water for consumption. Schools in the affected areas are reopening after previously being closed due to the water disruption. Additionally, the Women’s Expo at the Suburban Collection Showplace will proceed with contingency plans, including the use of portable facilities to accommodate attendees.
Local businesses, in light of the water shortage, such as Casey’s of Walled Lake and Novi Coffee and Tea, are making modifications to their services to operate during this challenging period. There is currently no timeline provided by the GLWA for when water service will be fully restored. Residents are encouraged to check Oakland County’s webpage for updates on ongoing repairs.
Impact on the Community
The water main break has created significant challenges for both residents and businesses alike. As efforts to restore full water service continue, many in the community are adapting to the changes and seeking solutions to meet their daily needs. The response from local authorities emphasizes the importance of public safety and assistance during this unexpected disruption.
Summary
The water service disruptions initially caused by the 42-inch water main break have highlighted the vulnerability of local infrastructure and its direct impact on daily life in Oakland County.
FAQ Section
What caused the water service disruptions in Oakland County?
A significant water main break, measuring 42 inches, began early Thursday morning, leading to widespread loss of water pressure in the area.
Which areas are affected by the boil water advisory?
The boil water advisory is currently in effect for the city of Walled Lake and parts of Novi, instructing residents to boil water before usage.
Are local businesses affected by the water outage?
Yes, local businesses, particularly restaurants, are facing operational challenges. For instance, El Mariachi can only serve bottled drinks and limited menu options, while Riki Sushi has had to close, incurring significant revenue losses.
What assistance is the city providing to residents?
The city is providing non-drinkable water for toilets and bottled drinking water for residents affected by the water main break.
Is there an estimated timeline for when water service will be fully restored?
No timeline has been provided by the Great Lakes Water Authority regarding when water service will be fully restored.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Incident | 42-inch water main break |
| Start Time | Early Thursday morning |
| Affected Areas | Novi, Walled Lake, Wixom |
| Boil Water Advisory | In effect for Walled Lake and parts of Novi |
| Operational Impact | Restaurants facing limitations and closures |
| Health Facilities | Providence Hospital switching to bottled water; Henry Ford Columbus Medical Center closed |
| City Assistance | Providing non-drinkable water for toilets and bottled water for residents |
| Restoration Timeline | No timeline provided yet |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Novi, Michigan Faces Major Water Main Disruption
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Additional Resources
- Click On Detroit: Major Water Main Break in Oakland County
- WXYZ: Local Businesses Adapt to Water Main Break in Novi
- Click On Detroit: Restaurants cope with water outage
- CBS News: Multiple Water Main Breaks in Madison Heights
- WXYZ: Novi Water Main Break Forces School Closures
- Wikipedia: Walled Lake, Michigan
- Google Search: Water Main Break Novi
- Google Scholar: Water Infrastructure Issues
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Main Break
- Google News: Oakland County Water Service Disruption
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.
