Waterbury, CT — September 28, 2025

A boil water advisory remains in effect across parts Waterbury after a major break in a 100-year-old water main, leaving thousands of residents questioning the safety of the city’s drinking water and demanding clearer information from officials.

The break caused a significant drop in water pressure, and caused a shutdown completely to some areas, which can allow outside contaminants to enter the system through cracks and joints. While the city says testing is underway, many households are worried about what may have entered their water lines during the disruption.

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Aging Infrastructure at the Center of the Problem

The pipe that ruptured is allegedly part of Waterbury’s original underground network, installed more than a century ago. Much of the city’s water infrastructure still relies on these aging cast-iron lines. Over time, they corrode, become brittle, and are more vulnerable to sudden failure.

When pressure is lost, untreated groundwater, soil, and other contaminants can flow inward. This is why boil water advisories are automatically triggered after major breaks: the system’s protective barrier has been compromised.

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What Can Enter the Water

Under normal circumstances, Waterbury’s water meets state and federal safety standards. But during and after a break of this scale, several risks emerge:

• Bacteria such as E. coli or coliforms can infiltrate through pipe cracks, posing a risk of gastrointestinal illness.
• Viruses and protozoa like Giardia or Cryptosporidium may enter the system and can survive if disinfection is disrupted.
• Rust and sediments from old pipes can discolor water and carry trace metals.
• Environmental runoff — especially after rain — can seep through compromised sections, adding soil and organic material to the water.

Health risks are generally short-term if the advisory is followed, but infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals face greater vulnerability.

NOT AGAIN!? Update story- Another Water Main break

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City Response Under Scrutiny

Waterbury’s water department has begun flushing and disinfecting the system. Officials say the advisory will remain in place until two consecutive rounds of testing confirm that the water is safe. However, many residents say communication has been slow and vague, leaving them unsure about the severity of the situation.

Public trust is further strained by the city’s aging infrastructure. Longtime residents note that breaks in older mains have become more frequent in recent years, raising questions about whether the system can keep pace with modern safety standards.

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The Central Question: Is the Water Safe?

As of Sunday, the answer remains: not yet. The boil water advisory is still active, meaning residents should not drink tap water unless it has been boiled for at least one minute. This applies to drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and preparing baby formula.

Testing results are expected in the coming days. Until then, the city cannot guarantee the water’s safety, and bottled water is being distributed at several locations.

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Looking Ahead

The incident underscores the urgent need to modernize Waterbury’s water system, much of which dates back to the early 20th century. Replacing century-old mains is costly but increasingly necessary to avoid disruptions and maintain public trust.

As the city works to restore service and complete testing, residents are watching closely — and demanding clear, transparent answers about what’s in their water and what’s being done to protect it.