By D.M.Livingston|Published Dec 13 2025

Waterbury, CT – December 13, 2025

Updated Dec 16 2025 8:03AM

In response to a major water main failure affecting Waterbury, Wolcott, and Watertown, the Waterbury Health Department has issued an urgent notice that all restaurants and food service establishments serving non-prepackaged food must immediately cease operations. The widespread water loss, which has impacted local residents and businesses, has prompted emergency repair crews to work around the clock to restore service.

What Happened?

A significant water main failure was reported early this morning, causing substantial disruption to the water supply across several municipalities, including Waterbury, Wolcott, and Watertown. As of now, emergency repair crews are on-site working to fix the issue, but the outage remains ongoing.

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Waterbury Health Department’s Directive

The Waterbury Health Department has clarified that any food service establishments that rely on running water for food preparation, cleaning, and sanitation must halt all operations until the water supply is fully restored. This critical directive is meant to ensure public health and safety, as preparing food in environments lacking clean running water poses a serious risk of contamination.

Impact on Local Restaurants and Food Service Providers

Local business owners have expressed frustration and concern over the disruption. Many restaurants and food establishments in Waterbury are now faced with the challenge of temporarily suspending services, potentially leading to financial losses. For those establishments that provide only prepackaged foods, the Health Department has clarified that they are not required to cease operations, as long as no food preparation occurs.

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Emergency Water Distribution and Support

To support residents and businesses during this crisis, emergency water distribution points are being set up across affected areas. Residents are encouraged to conserve water as much as possible and to avoid unnecessary usage to help accelerate the repair efforts.

What You Need to Know

• Restaurants and food service establishments: Must cease operations if they are serving food that is not prepackaged until the water supply is fully restored.
• Water disruption: The major water main failure is affecting Waterbury, Wolcott, and Watertown. Crews are currently working to restore service.
• Water distribution: Emergency water distribution points will be set up for residents and businesses in need of clean water.
• Health & Safety: The Waterbury Health Department’s priority is the safety of residents and customers. Following this directive helps to prevent foodborne illnesses and maintains sanitary conditions.

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What’s Next?

The City of Waterbury, along with repair crews, is working diligently to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. Officials have not provided an exact timeline for the restoration of water service but are promising updates as the situation progresses. In the meantime, the Health Department urges restaurants and food service establishments to stay informed and comply with the guidelines to protect public health.

Local residents and business owners are encouraged to stay updated through official channels, including the Waterbury Health Department’s website and social media profiles, for further updates and instructions.

Conclusion

The ongoing water main failure in Waterbury, Wolcott, and Watertown has created significant challenges for local businesses, especially food service establishments. The Waterbury Health Department’s directive is a critical step in ensuring food safety and public health during this emergency. Business owners, residents, and visitors are advised to remain patient as crews work to restore water services as quickly as possible.

Stay tuned for more updates, and remember to follow public health and safety instructions from local authorities during this critical time.

For more information, visit the Waterbury Health Department’s website or follow them on social media for the latest updates on the situation.

THE WATERBURY TIMES