METRO DETROIT ~ The Great Lakes Water Authority has replaced a damaged section of a 48‑inch transmission main on 14 Mile Road in Farmington Hills, with a second distressed section to be replaced this week. Water pressure in Novi and Walled Lake has largely returned, and both cities remain under a boil‑water advisory until two rounds of water‑quality testing come back clear, which GLWA expects by mid‑week.
GLWA attributes the break to a “transient pressure wave” linked to a power disruption, a cause also noted in independent reporting. Crews were already conducting renewal work in the area, which complicated repairs and slowed the full return of service in Novi.
Residents told multiple outlets this is at least the third major issue on the same line in recent years. Several described flooding, prolonged outages, and costs for alternative water or meals. Others voiced frustration with malfunctioning valves and delays that kept parts of Novi without service for more than 24 hours.
GLWA leadership acknowledges the line has experienced repeated failures and points to aging 1970s prestressed‑concrete infrastructure as a factor. Officials say long‑term inspections and replacement work will continue but caution they cannot rule out future breaks.
Local health officials urge residents to boil water for drinking or food preparation and limit usage until testing is complete. Pressure may fluctuate as crews finalize repairs and restore full system stability.
