The Waterbury Times|Published Dec 13, 2025

Waterbury, CT – The City of Waterbury is dealing with a critical water infrastructure issue after a significant water main break near Thomaston Avenue. The 36-inch transmission main, a crucial and aging section of the city’s water system, has failed, causing a widespread loss of water service to residents and businesses. As crews work tirelessly to repair the damage, the city has issued an urgent update, informing residents and businesses about the ongoing situation.

What Happened?

The water main break occurred near Thomaston Avenue, an area known for its older infrastructure. While crews were initially able to begin repairs, the situation escalated when the 36-inch transmission main failed entirely. This aging pipeline is responsible for distributing water across a large section of the city, and its failure has disrupted service in affected neighborhoods.

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The exact boundaries of the affected area are still being determined, but early reports indicate that areas along the Naugatuck River, including low-lying neighborhoods and parts of downtown Waterbury, are likely to be impacted. This includes Hamilton Park and several other communities in proximity to the river.

City’s Response and Ongoing Efforts

Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski, Jr. and Water Superintendent Brad Malay have both been on-site, overseeing the repair efforts. The mayor emphasized the seriousness of the situation and assured residents that city departments are working together around the clock to resolve the issue and restore water service as quickly as possible.

“We are fully focused on stabilizing the system and moving toward restoration,” said Brad Malay, Water Superintendent. “Our crews are working tirelessly to assess the damage and determine the safest repair method.”

While the exact timeline for repair completion is still unclear, crews are focused on containing the damage and restoring water service to the affected areas as soon as possible.

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Impacted Areas and Affected Services

Though the city has not yet finalized a full map of the affected service areas, it is expected that many neighborhoods along the Naugatuck River and as far east as Hamilton Park will experience water loss or reduced pressure. The downtown area is also likely to be impacted.

Essential services such as hospitals, fire stations, and emergency response facilities are receiving special attention. The city is coordinating with these critical facilities to deploy water trucks if needed to ensure uninterrupted service and maintain public safety. Hospitals in Waterbury are working closely with the Water Department to ensure patient care is not compromised.

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Boil Water Advisory Issued

As part of the ongoing efforts to safeguard public health, any customer who experiences a loss of water service or significant reduction in water pressure will be placed under a boil water advisory once service is restored. This advisory will remain in effect until further notice, and specific instructions will be issued to affected residents and businesses.

A boil water advisory means that affected customers should boil water for at least one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, or any other consumption. This precautionary measure helps prevent potential waterborne illnesses.

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Fire Protection and Emergency Response

One of the most critical aspects of the city’s emergency response is ensuring that fire protection services remain intact. Waterbury’s Fire Department is working in close coordination with the Water Department to maintain adequate water pressure for firefighting purposes. Mutual aid agreements with surrounding communities are also in place to ensure additional support if needed.

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How Residents Can Stay Informed

The City of Waterbury is committed to keeping residents updated on the situation. As crews continue to assess the damage and work toward repairs, regular updates will be provided via the city’s official website and social media channels. The public is urged to stay informed and follow any instructions regarding the boil water advisory or other emergency measures.

Conclusion

The water main break near Thomaston Avenue is a significant infrastructure failure that is affecting many residents and businesses in Waterbury. While the repair timeline remains uncertain, the city is taking all necessary steps to ensure that essential services remain operational, especially for hospitals and emergency responders. Residents are encouraged to follow the city’s updates and follow boil water advisory instructions when issued.

The City of Waterbury appreciates the patience and cooperation of the public as crews work diligently to resolve the situation. For more information and updates on the water main break, visit the City of Waterbury’s website.