News Summary
A significant water main break in Novi disrupted services, forcing local schools to cancel classes and issue a boil water advisory. The incident affected numerous residents and raised concerns about public health and upcoming community events. Efforts to restore water pressure are underway, with officials advising residents to stay informed about the situation and alternative water sources.
Water Main Break Disrupts Services in Novi; Schools Closing and Boil Advisory Issued
On September 25, 2025, Novi experienced a major water main break on 14 Mile Road west of M-5. The incident resulted in a significant loss of water pressure across the area, affecting a large number of local residents, including several schools, and prompting emergency measures to ensure public safety.
Impact on Schools and Community Activities
As a result of the water outage, Novi Public Schools canceled classes, including at Novi High School and other nearby schools such as Meadowbrook Elementary and Walled Lake Elementary. The closures were necessary because the schools could not provide functional bathrooms or maintain sanitary conditions required for daily activities.
The school closures have raised concerns about upcoming homecoming weekend events, including the parade, football game, and dance. School officials emphasized that these events’ schedules depend on the timely repair of the water main. Parents and students have expressed uncertainty about whether planned events will proceed as scheduled, with some families making alternative accommodations.
One parent, Katheryn McGuire, noted that she was hosting five senior students at her home since their families were unable to provide water or attend to their needs during the outage. The disruptions have impacted daily routines and social activities for many students and families in the area.
Extent of the Water Disruption and Affected Areas
The water main break has affected a broad region in Novi, including notable institutions such as Detroit Catholic Central. Nearby communities, including Wixom, Commerce Township, and Walled Lake, have also experienced water pressure issues, with some areas still under advisories and others seeing improved conditions.
As of 2:15 p.m., repair crews were actively working to manage the situation and restore normal water services. The restoration process was expected to take several hours, with officials emphasizing the importance of patience and cooperation during this ongoing effort.
Public Health Advisory and Alternative Water Sources
In response to the loss of pressure and potential contamination, a boil water advisory was issued for parts of Oakland County. Residents are advised to boil all tap water for at least one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, washing dishes, brushing teeth, or preparing food.
To assist residents during this period, non-drinkable water is available for toilet flushing through a drive-through service organized by the city’s Department of Public Works. Additionally, drinkable water is being provided at ITC Community Sports Park until 9 p.m. on September 25. Visitors must bring their own containers for both types of water.
Infrastructure and Future Considerations
The incident has highlighted concerns over the age of the area’s water infrastructure, much of which was installed in the 1970s. Many residents reported unprecedented conditions, including complete loss of water service, emphasizing the need to evaluate and upgrade aging pipelines.
Officials have advised residents to stay updated through their city’s official websites and social media channels for new information and further advisories. The situation remains fluid as repair crews continue their efforts to restore full service and ensure safety in the affected communities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
George Washington University Adds New Athletes to Swimming Teams
Additional Resources
- ClickOnDetroit: Boil Water Advisory
- Wikipedia: Water Quality
- Hometown Life: Novi Boil Water Advisory
- Google Search: Novi Water Main Break
- CBS News: Water Main Break in Novi
- Google Scholar: Water Infrastructure Novi
- WXYZ: Local Businesses Adapt
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Infrastructure
- Detroit News: Novi Water Main Break and School Closures
- Google News: Novi Water Main Break September 2025
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, 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 regional 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 the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
