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.

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.

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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.

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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.”

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.

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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.

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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.

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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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