News Summary
Novi is grappling with a major water main break that has prompted widespread school closures and a boil water advisory for local residents. The break in a large transmission main has led to significant water pressure drops and outages affecting neighborhoods and public facilities. As local officials prioritize repairs, community members are urged to monitor updates and conserve water during this crisis. Non-drinkable and drinkable water supplies have been made available at designated locations for residents’ immediate needs.
Novi Experiences Water Main Break Causing Widespread School Closures and Boil Water Advisory
Today, the city of Novi is dealing with the aftermath of a significant water main break that occurred early Thursday morning. The incident has led to extensive disruptions, including the closure of city facilities and schools, and a region-wide boil water advisory affecting multiple communities.
Details of the Water Main Break
At approximately 7:20 a.m. on September 25, 2025, a large 42-inch transmission main operated by the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) fractured along 14 Mile Road, just west of M-5. The break caused a dramatic drop in water pressure across the affected areas, leading to water outages for neighborhoods and public facilities.
Response and Repair Efforts
Immediate response teams from GLWA arrived at the scene and began working to isolate valves and contain the break. As of mid-afternoon, crews had successfully closed four of seven valves necessary to fully isolate the damaged pipe, and efforts continued to complete this process. Repairs are expected to take several hours, with officials emphasizing that restoring full service could extend into the evening.
Until repairs are finalized, residents near the site face limited or no access to running water. In particular, residents like Steven Gabel have reported being affected directly by the outage in their neighborhoods.
Impact on Public Services and Schools
The disruption has forced the Novi City Hall to close for the day, as clean water is essential for building operations. Similarly, the Novi Public Library and all Novi Community School District schools canceled classes because they cannot operate without adequate water supply.
Additionally, St. Catherine of Siena Academy located in nearby Wixom also announced it would remain closed today due to the water main issues.
Public Health Advisory and Water Usage Restrictions
As a precaution, authorities issued a boil water advisory for parts of Novi, Walled Lake, Wixom, and Commerce Township. This advisory recommends residents boil tap water for at least one minute before drinking or preparing food. Bottled water should be used for drinking and food preparation until further notice.
Residents are also asked to limit non-essential water use, including watering lawns and filling pools, to conserve water while repairs are ongoing.
Public Water Supplies and Assistance
To assist residents during the crisis, non-drinkable water supplies have been set up at the Department of Public Works, available until 9 p.m. on September 25, primarily for toilet flushing. Additionally, drinkable water from a well is accessible at the ITC Community Sports Park, with residents required to bring their own containers for supplies.
Official Statements and Future Updates
City officials have stated that once water service is fully restored, the boil water advisory will remain in effect until water tests confirm the safety of the water. They have also urged residents to stay informed by monitoring city websites and social media channels for updates and ongoing information regarding repair progress and safety advisories.
Community Concerns and Ongoing Situation
Many residents have expressed concern about the duration of the outage and the water quality, emphasizing the importance of timely repairs and clear communication. City officials continue to prioritize the repair process and public safety as work progresses to fix the damaged pipe and restore normal water service to the affected communities.
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Additional Resources
- Click on Detroit: Boil Water Advisory
- Wikipedia: Water Supply
- Hometown Life: Novi Boil Water Advisory
- Google Search: Novi Water Main Break
- CBS News: Water Main Break in Novi
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Quality
- Fox 2 Detroit: Thousands Without Water
- Google News: Novi Water Main Break

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