The Waterbury Times|Published Jan 7, 2025

WATERBURY — The City of Waterbury released an update on repairs to the Thomaston Avenue water main break and the long-delayed 42-inch sliplining project, both of which are now nearing completion and expected to restore full system redundancy in the coming days.

Water Main Break Repairs Near Completion

City officials confirmed that all underground pipe work related to the water main break has been successfully replaced, pressure tested, and is now operationally available.

THE REAL STORY BEHIND WATERBURY’S WATER MAIN BREAKS

The temporary bypass connected to the 36-inch low service main has been removed, with full volume and pressure restored citywide. The 36-inch high-pressure main has also passed pressure testing and disinfection, producing acceptable results. Once work on the 42-inch main is finalized later this week, the high-pressure line will be opened and fully integrated into the system.

Repairs to a 12-inch water line associated with the project were also pressure tested and cleared without issue.

Roadway restoration on Thomaston Avenue is complete up to backfilling, with final paving expected next week once the asphalt plant reopens.

Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski, Jr. praised the coordinated response and rapid progress.

“This was a complex failure affecting some of the most critical water infrastructure in our city,” Pernerewski said. “The progress made in a short period of time is a direct result of the tireless work of our crews and contractors. I want to thank our residents and business owners for their patience and cooperation throughout this process.”

42-Inch Sliplining Project Enters Final Testing Phase

Pressure testing of the 42-inch sliplining project is currently underway. While crews encountered mechanical connection issues earlier in the week, officials report those problems have been resolved and the pipe is now holding pressure.

The line must successfully maintain pressure for a full 24-hour period before it can be approved for operational use.

Once testing is complete, contractor Murphy Pipeline will begin backfilling and closing nine access pits located between Waterville Park and the southern end of the project along Thomaston Avenue.

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Because the 42-inch main has been out of service for nearly nine months, it must undergo a 24-hour disinfection period, followed by bacteriological sampling. Upon confirmation that all samples are clear, the main will be placed back into service, allowing water to flow directly from the treatment plant through the repaired 36-inch high service main.

Bradley Malay, Superintendent of Water, emphasized the importance of the final validation process.

“Every component of this system has now been repaired and tested,” Malay said. “Completing pressure testing, disinfection, and bacteriological confirmation is critical to ensuring long-term reliability and water quality before the system is fully returned to service.”

System Redundancy and Next Steps

Once the 42-inch main is operational, Waterbury’s water system will be fully functional and largely redundant, significantly improving the city’s ability to respond to future water main failures with minimal disruption.

With emergency repairs nearing completion, city officials say the focus will shift toward evaluating and replacing critical system valves. These upgrades are intended to improve isolation capabilities, reduce service impacts during emergencies, and strengthen overall system resiliency.

Mayor Pernerewski said the incident highlights the need for sustained infrastructure investment.

“As we move out of response mode and back into normal operations, this is the right time to strengthen our ability to isolate and respond to future issues,” he said. “This event reinforced the importance of continued investment in Waterbury’s water infrastructure.”

Additional updates will be provided as final testing and restoration activities conclude.

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