The Waterbury Times| Breaking News | August 3, 2026

Updated Aug 3, 2026 5:44pm

Boil Water Notice Lifted After Waterbury Confirms System Is Safe for Use

WATERBURY, CT — The City of Waterbury has lifted the Boil Water Notice affecting approximately 15,020 residents and businesses after water quality testing confirmed that the municipal water system is safe for normal use and consumption.

The notice was lifted effective at 4:25 p.m. after the Water Department collected samples throughout the affected distribution system. The City received confirmation from the South Central Regional Water Authority Laboratory that all required samples tested negative for Total Coliform and E. coli bacteria, confirming the water meets state and federal drinking water standards.

The City said the written laboratory report will be posted on its website once received.

The Boil Water Notice was issued following two transmission water main breaks on Tompkins Street that disrupted service to thousands of residents and businesses. Crews completed extensive repairs, restored water service, flushed the distribution system, and conducted required testing before lifting the advisory.

Residents may now resume normal use of tap water, including drinking, cooking, food preparation, brushing teeth, bathing, and other household purposes.

The Water Department recommends residents run cold water faucets for several minutes to flush household plumbing. Residents with removable faucet aerators are advised to remove them before flushing. Those with refrigerator ice makers or other appliances connected to water lines should discard ice made during the advisory and follow manufacturer instructions for flushing appliances.

Residents who notice temporary water discoloration should continue running cold water until it clears. The City said discoloration can occur after a major water main break and during system flushing.

Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski, Jr. thanked residents, businesses, city employees, first responders, and partner organizations for their patience and cooperation throughout the emergency response.

“The lifting of the Boil Water Notice marks the final step in our response to this emergency and is welcome news for our residents and businesses,” Pernerewski said.

The City also recognized Water Department crews, Dayton Construction, the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Waterbury Public Schools, the Greater Waterbury YMCA, the Health Department, and others who assisted during the response.

The City said it will continue monitoring the water distribution system and conducting routine flushing as the system returns to normal operations.

Residents with questions may contact the Water Department at (203) 574-8251 or visit the City of Waterbury website.

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Original Report Aug 3, 2026 7:03am

WATERBURY, CT — The City of Waterbury’s Boil Water Advisory remains in effect as officials await final water test results following the recent water main break and restoration efforts.

Water Main Repairs Completed; Water Service Gradually Being Restored Across Waterbury

According to the Waterbury Health Department, water test results are expected later this afternoon. Until those results are received and confirmed safe, residents in affected areas must continue following the Boil Water Advisory.

“Until those results are received and confirmed safe, the Boil Water Advisory remains in effect,” the Health Department stated.

Residents are advised to continue boiling water for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, and other consumption-related uses until the advisory is officially lifted.

Waterbury Opens Bottled Water Distribution Site for Waterbury Residents Impacted by Water Main Break

The City said it appreciates residents’ patience and cooperation throughout the restoration and testing process and will provide another update once the test results become available.

The Waterbury Times will continue monitoring the situation and provide updates as more information is released.