News Summary
A significant water main break in Novi has led to widespread school closures and a boil water advisory across multiple communities. The break occurred early in the morning, causing a loss of water pressure as crews work to isolate and repair the affected 42-inch transmission pipeline. Residents are experiencing water outages and are advised to boil their water until safety is confirmed. Community facilities have also closed, and alternative water sources are being provided to assist those affected.
Novi Water Main Break Causes Widespread Closures and Boil Water Advisory
Novi, MI — A significant water main break on Thursday morning has led to extensive disruptions across multiple communities, including widespread school closures and a mandatory boil water advisory. The incident occurred around 7:20 a.m. on 14 Mile Road, just west of M-5, involving a 42-inch transmission pipeline operated by the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA).
Details of the Break and Ongoing Repairs
The water main break resulted in a considerable loss of water pressure across the affected areas. Crews from the GLWA quickly responded to isolate the problem by attempting to close key valves. As of mid-afternoon, four of the seven valves had been successfully shut, but ongoing work is required to fully contain the break. Repair efforts are expected to take several hours, with full water service restoration estimated later today.
Impact on Water Supply and Residents
Numerous residents, including those living near the site such as Steven Gabel, are experiencing water outages and limited access to their neighborhoods. Local authorities advised residents to minimize water usage except for essential needs. Many residents are unable to access running water in their homes, prompting concerns about daily activities and sanitation.
Boil Water Advisory for Multiple Communities
Due to the disruption and potential bacterial contamination from loss of pressure, officials issued a boil water advisory affecting parts of Novi, Walled Lake, Wixom, and Commerce Township. Residents are instructed to boil water for at least one minute before use for drinking or food preparation. Bottled water is recommended as an alternative, especially for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. The advisory will remain in effect until water quality tests confirm safety.
Community Facilities and School Closures
As a precaution, several public facilities have been closed. The Novi City Hall building shut down for the day due to water service issues. The Novi Public Library also closed, citing water supply concerns. Additionally, the Novi Community School District canceled classes for the day because they cannot operate without running water. Similarly, St. Catherine of Siena Academy in Wixom announced the closure until further notice.
Availability of Alternative Water Sources
To assist residents, the city has set up non-drinkable water stations at the Department of Public Works, available until 9 p.m. on September 25, primarily for flushing toilets. Additionally, drinkable water from a well has been supplied at the ITC Community Sports Park, where residents can bring their own containers. These services are intended to support basic sanitation needs during the outage.
Current Status and Next Steps
As of approximately 2:15 p.m., crews were actively working to complete the valve closures and isolate the break completely. Once the water supply is restored, officials will conduct water quality testing. The boil water advisory will stay in effect until tests confirm that the water is safe for consumption.
Public Communication and Safety Recommendations
Residents are advised to stay informed through city websites and official social media channels for ongoing updates. Until further notice, individuals should limit non-essential water use, prepare for continued disruptions, and adhere strictly to boil water advisories to prevent health risks.
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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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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.
