Boil water advisory issued for Walled Lake, Wixom, part of Novi after water main break
The Great Lakes Water Authority issued a boil water advisory Thursday afternoon for the Southeast Michigan cities of Walled Lake, Wixom and parts of Novi in the aftermath of a water main break that morning on 14 Mile Road just west of M-5.
This notice and its accompanying map add to and expand earlier announcements in the local emergency. It will remain in effect until further notice.
The loss of water pressure was noticed about 7:20 a.m., according to Novi city officials, and the problem was quickly traced to a break in a 42-inch transmission line that is part of the Great Lakes Water Authority network.
Later in the morning, Oakland County issued a "precautionary" boil water notice Thursday morning for Walled Lake residents who are on the municipal water lines. In the meantime, authorities said additional areas might be placed under such an alert.
The decision to expand the advisory was announced about 1 p.m. The Great Lakes Water Authority said this is a precautionary step, but "whenever a water system loses pressure for any significant length of time, the precautionary measure of a boil water advisory is recommended."
When a boil water advisory is in effect, the tap water should be boiled for at least one minute, then allowed to cool before using. Boiled, bottled or disinfected water should be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes or brushing teeth.
The Great Lakes Water Authority said its crews will flush lines and collect bacteria samples from the area after water service is restored in order to determine when normal use can resume. "We will inform you when tests show no bacteria and you no longer need to boil your water," officials said.
The timing of the discovery Thursday morning sent families scrambling to deal with disruptions such as last-minute school closings and the impact of a closed road that normally gets heavy traffic.
Steve Gabel of Novi, for example, told CBS News Detroit that there were limited options to get to his street with the road closure and there is no water service at all to his home. "Whether we have to make alternate arrangements, maybe go to a family or hotel, remains to be seen," as he looked over the repair site shortly before noon.
Agencies and authorities working on the situation and response include Oakland County Emergency Management, Road Commission for Oakland County and Great Lakes Water Authority.
For Novi residents, drinking water is available at ITC Community Sports Park (51000 Eight Mile Road) until 9 p.m. Thursday. Non-drinkable water, used for flushing toilets only, is available at the Department of Public Works (26300 Lee BeGole Drive) until 9 p.m. Thursday.
Road closure
The Road Commission for Oakland County said 14 Mile Road just west of M-5 is closed because of the water main work.
Impact on Farmington Hills
While the City of Farmington Hills was not immediately affected, city officials there said there is a chance that residents near the northwest border of Farmington Hills may experience low water pressure.
Novi and Walled Lake school closings and cancellations
Because there was no water on campus, Detroit Catholic Central High School did not have school on Thursday. Students were asked to check their online messages for assignments.
Novi Community School District also canceled school. Students from Meadows were taken home first, and then high school students were taken home. "We cannot run school without flushing toilets and running water for extended periods of time," the notice said.
Novi Christian Academy was closed on Thursday.
And Walled Lake Consolidated School District announced school closures for the following buildings in its district: Early Childhood Center, Hickory Woods, Mary Helen Guest, Meadowbrook and Walled Lake Elementary.
Novi Public Library was closed on Thursday, but the library staff planned to still host a virtual program that was scheduled.
Novi City Hall is closed to the public around noon on Thursday because the building is without water service. City residents who plan to obtain an absentee ballot can call the City Clerk's Office at 248-347-0456 to discuss arrangements.
All indoor programs at Novi Civic Center on Thursday were cancelled. Outdoor programs will take place as scheduled. Participants should bring their own water bottles to outdoor games and practices.
West Bloomfield issues temporary outdoor watering ban
As a result of the water main break, West Bloomfield Township is implementing an outdoor watering ban until further notice.
Township officials are enacting the measure to help stabilize the regional water supply. Residents are not being asked to boil their water.
For additional information
The Great Lakes Water Authority said area residents with additional questions can contact the Great Lakes Water Authority System Control Center at 313-267-6000, systemcontrol@glwater.org. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.