Exclusive correspondence obtained by The Waterbury Times

Published Dec 16, 2025

Waterbury-As Waterbury continues to respond to a major water main failure and citywide boil water notice, confusion has circulated regarding whether restaurants and food establishments should remain open. The Waterbury Times has obtained direct correspondence from the Director of Health for the City of Waterbury, which clearly outlines the legal and public-health standards governing food service operations during a boil water advisory.

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According to the Director of Health, FDA Food Code standards require food establishments to cease normal operations while a boil water notice is in effect, with only narrow exceptions.

“According to the FDA Food Code, while a boil water notice is in effect, food establishments should cease operations,” the Director of Health stated in correspondence to The Waterbury Times.

Limited Exceptions Under the Food Code

The Director clarified that only two categories of establishments may continue operating during a boil water advisory:

1. Businesses selling food that is fully pre-packaged and not prepared by hand, and
2. Establishments with an alternative potable water source, such as a certified tank or system that is completely independent from the contaminated municipal water supply.

Outside of these conditions, food service operations are not permitted to continue safely or legally.

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The correspondence emphasizes that water is fundamental to nearly every step of food service operations, including:

• Preparing cleaning and sanitizing solutions
• Washing fruits and vegetables
• Handwashing between food preparation steps
• Defrosting large cuts of meat
• Cleaning utensils, cookware, and food contact surfaces

Without a verified safe water source, these activities pose a serious public health risk.

Hand Sanitizer Is Not a Substitute for a Handwashing Sink

The Director of Health also addressed a common misconception directly:

“Part of having a food service license involves proving access to a handwashing sink — not just a bottle of hand sanitizer.”

Under FDA Food Code requirements, a licensed establishment must maintain a functioning handwashing sink with potable water, soap, and proper drying methods. Hand sanitizer alone does not meet licensing or safety standards, particularly during a water contamination event.

Training and Licensing Requirements Are Clear

These requirements, the Director noted, are not new or discretionary. They are explicitly covered during mandatory food safety training, which all food service operators must complete prior to licensure in Waterbury.

The expectation that establishments understand and comply with boil water procedures is part of the licensing framework designed to protect public health.

Public Health Comes First

The Waterbury Health Department’s position is clear: operating without safe water during a boil water notice creates unacceptable risk. The guidance is rooted in long-standing FDA Food Code standards and reinforced during emergency conditions.

The Waterbury Times will continue to provide verified, direct information from city and health officials, cutting through speculation and ensuring residents and business owners understand their responsibilities during this ongoing infrastructure emergency

The Waterbury Times