For a month, the Great Lakes Water Authority has been asking residents and businesses in western Oakland County to limit water usage. And there’s no end in sight.
GLWA issued a release on Monday, Oct. 20, asking that water conservation efforts continue, but offered no estimate on when the request might be lifted.
A water main broke on 14 Mile Road in Novi on Sept. 25, resulting in a drop in water pressure and boil advisories in Commerce Township, Walled Lake, Wixom, most of Novi and a small part of Wolverine Lake. The boil advisories have been lifted.
GLWA’s release said it “continues its response” to the break in the 42-inch main on 14 Mile, west of M-5. GLWA owns and operates the broken main.
In addition to asking for continued water conservation, GLWA is asking that water users winterize their irrigation systems, the release said.
GLWA said in an earlier release that it expected to complete work on the broken main by Oct. 16, which would mean the water conservation request could be lifted. GLWA officials could not be reached for comment Friday, Oct. 24.
In the days immediately following the water main break, boil advisories were imposed, lifted and imposed again because of over-consumption of water during peak hours.
All of the affected communities asked residents and businesses to refrain from water use that was not necessary, including watering lawns and washing vehicles.
Emergency connections in use while crews worked on the broken main could not withstand excessive water use, officials said.
GLWA said in a release on Oct. 13 that the system was in a “vulnerable state,” and asked water customers to continue to limit usage to avoid putting additional stress on the emergency set-up.
A group of Royal Oak High School students held a peaceful protest Wednesday, Oct. 22, against the formation of a Turning Point USA student club.
Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist who was shot and killed during a rally at a Utah college last month, founded Turning Point in 2012.
“I don’t agree with the hate that they’re spreading with this club,” said Arriella Brown, a junior at Royal Oak High who helped organize the protest.
In particular, she objected to the group’s views on minorities.
She said Kirk was a “really hateful person.”
Liberals criticized Kirk for statements he made about homosexuals, Martin Luther King Jr., Muslims and other groups that were considered derogatory.
Superintendent John Tafelski said in a statement released to families of high school students that the club has not yet held a formal meeting but plans to do so in the coming weeks.
“Under the federal Equal Access Act of 1984, the district cannot regulate student groups based on the content of their speech—whether religious, political, philosophical, or otherwise,” Tafelski said in the statement.
“We recognize that the formation of clubs addressing current political or social issues can generate strong emotions. We will continue to monitor all student clubs and activities and remain committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and productive learning environment for every student. Should any student club members engage in conduct inconsistent with the mission of Royal Oak Schools, as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct and applicable Board of Education policies/guidelines, the district will take appropriate action in accordance with those guidelines.”
Tafelski said he met with the student protesters “to provide an opportunity for their voices to be heard while ensuring a safe and orderly environment.”
“I am pleased to share that students remained peaceful, respectful, and constructive throughout our discussion. I want to commend the maturity and respect demonstrated by all students involved.”
District policy requires that a staff member be assigned to attend a student-initiated meeting “in a custodial capacity” but that no staff member can be compelled to attend the meeting if the content of the speech “is contrary to his/her beliefs.”
District policy says school employees can’t “promote, lead or participate in the meeting.”
It was not known if the Turning Point group had a staff member who was willing to take on its meetings. District officials could not be reached for comment.
The policy says student organizations must apply for permission to meet on school premises. The meetings cannot occur during school hours.
Turning Point is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to “identify, educate, train, and organize students to promote the principles of fiscal responsibility, free markets, and limited government,” according to its website.
Its program for high schoolers is “the largest and most impactful youth movement for promoting freedom-loving, American values,” the website says. More than 1,000 U.S. high schools have chapters.
Students gather in the cafeteria at Royal Oak High School in protest of the proposed formation of a Turning Point USA group. Photo courtesy of Arriella Brown.
Over-consumption during peak hours has led to boil water advisories in western Oakland County communities where they had been lifted or had never been in place.
Several communities were affected after a 42-inch water main broke early Thursday, Sept. 25, on 14 Mile Road in Novi.
As of Monday afternoon, boil advisories were in place in Wixom, Commerce Township, Walled Lake, most of Novi and a small part of Wolverine Lake.
Novi – except the southeast corner of the city – has been under an advisory since the break. Wolverine Lake issued an advisory for just a few streets shortly after the break.
An advisory had been in effect in Walled Lake since shortly after the main broke but was lifted over the weekend. Commerce Township had not issued one until Monday.
Wixom issued only a recommendation to boil water after the break, which was later lifted. The city issued the advisory after water pressure dropped early Monday due to demands on the system, City Manager Steve Brown said.
He said an emergency alternative, using a much smaller main, allowed the city to keep water pressure at a safe level until it dropped on Monday.
Crews work on a broken water main in Novi on Thursday, Sept. 25. Photo courtesy of city of Novi.
After the break, all of the affected communities asked residents and businesses to refrain from watering lawns or washing cars and to not use water unnecessarily.
“Low pressure on the system due to over consumption during peak hours, while emergency connections are in use, has been identified as the reason for the boil water notice,” Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash said in a release.
“Whenever a water system loses pressure for any significant length of time, precautionary measures are recommended because a loss of pressure can lead to bacterial contamination in the water system,” the release said.
“Bacteria generally are not harmful and are common throughout our environment. Although no contamination has been detected, as a precaution, all water customers in the affected area are advised to boil water used for drinking and cooking.”
Boiling the water for one minute will kill bacteria and other organisms. Allow it to cool before consumption. Boiled, bottled or disinfected water should be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth and preparing food.
You can use tap water to bathe, but do not swallow it or allow it to get in your eyes or nose. Supervise children or disabled adults while bathing.
If you have a private well, you do not need to boil your water.
The advisory will be lifted after two samples, taken 24 hours apart, test negative.
The Great Lakes Water Authority, which owns the broken main, has been working on it around the clock and expects full repairs to take about two weeks.
Novi said in a release late Monday that the first sample, taken Sunday, tested negative.
“Best-case scenario (for the advisory to be lifted) is Tuesday, but it could stretch into Wednesday depending on testing,” the city said in a release Monday morning.
“We need to chat about irrigation. Sprinklers running in the morning are really hurting the system. If you see a neighbor’s sprinklers going, don’t get annoyed (they could be on a well) —be kind and give them a friendly nudge. We’ve done pretty good so far, but we really need to do better.
“Thanks for hanging in there, Novi—your patience (and humor) helps.”
For updates, call the county’s water hotline, 248-858-1555, or check websites or social media for the affected communities.
Much of Novi and parts of Walled Lake have lost water pressure due to a large water main break, and will be under a boil advisory once service is restored.
Parts of Commerce Township and Wixom may also be affected.
The city of Novi said in a release that Great Lakes Water Authority crews are working on the break, which occurred at about 7:20 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, in a main on 14 Mile Road west of M-5.
A drop in pressure can allow bacterial contaminants to enter the water supply. After service is restored, testing will begin at multiple locations. The boil advisory will be lifted after two negative tests, 24 hours apart.
Once service is restored, officials advise the following:
– Do not drink the water without boiling it first. Let it boil for one minute and let it cool before using.
– Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation.
– Filtered water is not safe for use as the organisms are microscopic. Boil all water used for consumption.
– Untreated water can be used for showering, baths and shaving, but do not swallow water or allow it to get in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Supervise children and disabled individuals during their bathing to make sure water is not swallowed. Minimize bathing time.
If you are on a well, you are not impacted.
The Road Commission for Oakland County reports that 14 Mile is closed west of M-5 to east of Welch Road.
Visit the websites and social media pages for Novi, Walled Lake, Wixom and Commerce Township for updates and to view maps of affected areas..
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
Farmington Hills police tracked and arrested a suspect believed to be involved in several automobile break-ins using a drone with thermal imaging.
Police provided extra patrols in neighborhoods the weekend of Sept. 13-14, following a series of larcenies from automobiles, according to a release from the Farmington Hills Police Department.
During the early morning hours of Monday, Sept. 15, an officer patrolling in the area of 12 Mile and Drake roads noticed the interior lights were on for several vehicles parked in driveways.
The officer, suspecting that the vehicles had been broken into, called for additional units and requested that a drone search the area from the sky.
The drone pilot arrived and began scanning the area using the drone’s thermal imaging capabilities. The drone picked up the heat signature of a suspect.
“The suspect was observed running through the neighborhood while actively trying to hide from arriving police units,” the release said.
The drone pilot communicated the suspect’s location to arriving units, who tracked the suspect to a wooded area near the northwest corner of 12 Mile and Drake roads. Officers found the suspect hiding in the woods, dressed in all black.
“This case highlights how technology, like drones and thermal imaging, can enhance law enforcement activity,” said Police Chief John Piggott. “Using this technology, our officers were able to quickly locate and arrest a suspect who may have otherwise escaped. These resources enhance public safety and allow us to respond more effectively to crime in our community.”
Drone footage shows the neighborhood where police arrested a suspect believed to be responsible for several larcenies from autos. Photo courtesy of Farmington Hills Police Department.
The suspect, a 17-year-old from Novi, was taken into custody without incident. Evidence recovered from the scene links the suspect to numerous vehicle break-ins in the neighborhood, the release said.
The juvenile suspect was released to his guardian, pending a review by the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office Juvenile Division.
Farmington Hills police have four drones and 16 trained pilots.
“There are two easy ways that community members can prevent a similar crime: Never leave valuables in a car and always lock car doors,” Piggott said. “Many of these thefts are crimes of opportunity. By taking a few extra seconds to secure your car, you remove that opportunity and help keep our community safe.”
If you believe you were a victim or have any information about these incidents, call police at 248-871-2610.
Lincoln Street is closed in both directions at I-696 in Southfield until mid-October for bridge work.
The detour is to go north to 11 Mile or south to 10 Mile and use either Southfield Road to the west or Greenfield Road to the east, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation.
Lincoln Street closed early Monday, Sept. 15.
The bridge work is part of MDOT’s Restore the Reuther project. MDOT is in the final phase of the lengthy project, which involves rebuilding I-696 between Lahser and Dequindre roads.
Those wishing to learn more about adoption and meet older youths seeking homes are invited to the 2025 Michigan Heart Gallery in Royal Oak on Saturday, Sept. 13.
The event is an annual traveling exhibit featuring photos of older youths in foster care. This year’s display features pictures of 60 young people, some of whom will attend the premiere.
It will be held from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Emagine Theatre, 200 N. Main St. in Royal Oak.
The Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange, a program administered by the Judson Center, a Farmington Hills human services agency, sponsors the event, which is funded by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
The event includes a red-carpet arrival for the youths and guests, a film presentation, formal program and lunch. An adoption information session will be held featuring MARE’s adoption navigators. They are experienced adoptive parents who can offer guidance and personal knowledge about the process, challenges and joys of adopting.
Sixteen professional photographers from across the state volunteered their time to take the photos for the project. The exhibit will travel across the state following the Royal Oak premiere.
“The first showing of the Michigan Heart Gallery is always such an exciting and inspirational event,” said MARE Director Michelle Parra. “It’s a time when we celebrate our older youth in foster care and give them hope for the future. They truly are the stars on this day.”
Admission to the event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to pre-register on the MARE website at www.mare.org. Complimentary parking vouchers will be available.
Oakland County residents 60 years and older may receive a $5 coupon to spend on produce at a special event on Thursday, Sept. 4, at the Oakland County Farmers Market in Waterford Township.
Senior Market Day will occur from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at the market, 2350 Pontiac Lake Road.
Produce coupons will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and must be used during the event. Distribution ends 30 minutes before the market closes. No registration is necessary.
“Senior Market Day events directly connect our older adults to local farmers and fresh, Michigan grown produce” said Kate Guzman, health officer at Oakland County Health Division. “If you have never visited a farmers market, Senior Market Day is a great way to come out and shop local.”
The farmers market also offers Double Up Food Bucks, which match money spent using a Bridge card/EBT up to $20.
In addition to $5 coupons for produce, a variety of resources and additional health information will be available for older adults.
Healthy Oakland Partnership sponsors Senior Market Days. The Oakland County Health Division launched the partnership in 2009; it is a collaboration of local government, hospitals, health care providers, community-based organizations, businesses, and citizens working to promote healthy eating and physical activity opportunities.
HOP began hosting Family Market Days in 2009 to engage families in healthy eating practices and physical activity. The partnership expanded to include older adults in 2017 by hosting Senior Market Days.
For more information, visit www.oakgov.com/health, @publichealthOC on Facebook and Twitter, or contact Kelsey Merz at merzk@oakgov.com or 248-365-8954.
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