Water Main Break Leads to School Closures and Advisories

Emergency crews working on water main repairs in Novi

News Summary

A major water main break in Novi has caused significant disruptions, leading to school closures and boil water advisories. Safety measures have been implemented for the local community while officials work to address the issue. The incident raises concerns about aging infrastructure, highlighting the need for long-term solutions to prevent similar disruptions in the future.

Water Main Break in Novi Causes School Closures and Boil Water Advisories

City officials in Novi announced a significant disruption in water service following a major water main break on 14 Mile Road west of M-5 on September 25, 2025. The incident resulted in a substantial loss of water pressure across the area, leading to the temporary closure of schools and several public safety measures for residents.

Impact on Schools and Community Events

Novi Public Schools immediately canceled classes at all district schools, including Novi High School, citing the inability to operate bathrooms and maintain sanitary conditions as primary concerns. The closures have raised questions about the status of upcoming homecoming celebrations, which traditionally include a parade, football game, and dance. School officials emphasized that the timing of these events depends on the swift repair of the water line.

Parents have expressed concern over the disruption, with some hosting affected students at their homes. For instance, a local parent reported hosting five seniors from the high school, as their families are impacted by the outage. The community is closely monitoring repair efforts to determine when activities can resume normally.

Other Affected Schools and Precautionary Measures

The break has also impacted several nearby schools, including Detroit Catholic Central, Meadowbrook Elementary, and Walled Lake Elementary. School district officials are working with city crews to assess and address the issue while prioritizing student safety.

Boil Water Advisory and Resident Guidance

In response to the water pressure loss, Oakland County health authorities issued a boil water advisory for various affected areas. Residents are instructed to boil water for at least one minute before using it for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth, or preparing food. Until the advisory is lifted, consumption of unboiled tap water is discouraged to prevent possible health risks.

To assist residents, the city’s Department of Public Works set up a drive-through distribution of non-drinkable water for toilet flushing. Additionally, drinkable water supplies are being provided at ITC Community Sports Park until 9 p.m. on September 25. Residents are required to bring their own containers for both types of water.

Status of Repairs and Infrastructure Concerns

As of 2:15 p.m., city crews are still working to contain the break and restore water service. The repair process is expected to take several hours, and residents are urged to stay informed through official updates provided by the city. The incident has highlighted concerns about aging infrastructure, with most of the water mains installed in the 1970s showing signs of wear and tear.

Wider Area Disruptions and Community Response

The water outage has affected neighboring communities, including Wixom, Commerce Township, and Walled Lake. Some areas have seen lifting of advisories, but warnings about possible water pressure drops remain in effect. Many residents report experiencing a complete loss of water service, with some returning to normal in certain neighborhoods while others continue to face disruptions.

Ongoing Updates and Resources

Officials from affected cities are updating their websites and social media channels regularly to keep residents informed about the situation and any changes to advisories or service restorations. Residents are encouraged to check these sources frequently for the latest information and guidance.

The water main break underscores the importance of maintaining and upgrading aging infrastructure to prevent future disruptions. City authorities are assessing long-term solutions to improve resilience and ensure reliable water service for community safety and daily life.

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Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER

RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake 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 the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.

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