The Waterbury Times|Published Dec 14, 2025

Updated Dec 16, 2025 8:06AM

Waterbury, CT — Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski, Jr. provided an update Sunday on the City of Waterbury’s response to a major water main failure on Thomaston Avenue that disrupted water service across much of the city and affected surrounding communities.

Waterbury Faces Major Water Emergency: Drinking Water Distribution & Updates

City officials confirmed the failure involves a 36-inch transmission water main, one of Waterbury’s primary distribution lines. Crews were able to safely access the site and fully assess the damage on Sunday, determining that the pipe was severely compromised following an earlier break on the same roadway earlier in the week. The damage was more extensive than initially anticipated and will require the construction of new sections of water main in order to restore full service.

“This is a large and complex failure of critical infrastructure,” Mayor Pernerewski said. “Our crews are working around the clock to stabilize the system, divert water away from the damaged section, and rebuild the main in a way that allows us to safely and reliably restore service to our residents.”

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Water service has been restored to several areas of the city, including much of downtown, Bunker Hill, Town Plot, and the Country Club neighborhoods. However, full restoration to all remaining areas will require additional repair work and system stabilization.

Water Superintendent Brad Malay said crews are working continuously to construct a bypass and install new sections of water main to reroute water around the damaged area.

“Our teams are working day and night under difficult conditions,” Malay said. “The focus is on completing a safe and durable repair so the system can be brought back online as quickly as possible.”

Both Waterbury Hospital and Saint Mary’s Hospital are fully supplied with water and remain open and operational, according to city officials.

Due to the ongoing impacts of the water main break, Waterbury Public Schools will be closed Monday, with school operations to be evaluated on a day-by-day basis for the remainder of the week.

A citywide boil water advisory remains in effect and will continue until full service is restored, water quality testing is completed, and results are approved by the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Residents are advised to boil tap water before using it for drinking, cooking, or food preparation.

To ensure access to clean drinking water, the city has established potable water distribution sites, operating daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or until supplies are depleted, at the following locations:

• Municipal Stadium, 1200 Watertown Avenue
• Crosby High School, 300 Pierpont Road

With assistance from the Connecticut National Guard, approximately 5,000 gallons of drinking water have been distributed so far. Additional water deliveries are expected, and distribution will continue for as long as necessary. Residents in need of assistance are encouraged to visit one of the distribution sites or contact 311.

Fire Chief Javier Lopez reported that mutual aid from neighboring communities successfully supported a local fire response Saturday evening, highlighting the strength of regional emergency coordination during the water emergency.

Mayor Pernerewski thanked residents, city crews, volunteers, state partners, and the National Guard for their continued efforts.

“Their dedication is critical to restoring water service safely and as quickly as possible,” the mayor said.

Residents are encouraged to visit waterburyct.org for official updates and to contact 311 with questions or for assistance as restoration efforts continue.

The Waterbury Times