Waterbury Water Department to Begin Third Water Supply Transmission Project on Thomaston Avenue
Construction Scheduled to Start May 16, 2025
(WATERBURY, CT)– As part of the City of Waterbury’s commitment to strengthening public infrastructure, the Waterbury Bureau of Water will begin construction on the next phase of its Third Water Supply Transmission Project on May 16, 2025. This phase will focus on a critical section of Thomaston Avenue between Waterville Park and Spruce Brook Hill Road.
The project will rehabilitate an 8,125-foot segment of the City’s 42-inch Prestressed Concrete Cylinder Pipe (PCCP) water transmission main. Installed in 1960, this section is part of the larger 45,000-foot (8.6-mile) Third Water Supply Transmission Main, which carries water from the Water Treatment Plant through Thomaston into Waterbury.
This infrastructure has experienced multiple failures over the years due to high operating pressure (200 psi), roadway impacts, and age. These issues threaten public safety and the reliability of the City’s water supply system. Addressing these vulnerabilities is a top priority.
“Maintaining and modernizing Waterbury’s infrastructure is essential to the continued growth and safety of our community,” said Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski. “This project represents a smart investment in our future and ensures residents and businesses can count on safe, reliable water service for generations to come.”
The project will use a trenchless rehabilitation method called Sliplining, which involves inserting a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe into the existing PCCP. This technique restores structural strength, enhances flow efficiency, and minimizes the risk of future leaks or breaks. The HDPE liner will be grouted and sealed into place to reinforce the existing main, without the need for a full pipe replacement.
Construction will be performed by Murphy Pipeline Contractors, LLC. Work will begin at the Spruce Brook Hill Road connection and move south along Thomaston Avenue. Completion is expected by late fall 2025.
To maintain uninterrupted water service, the Water Department and contractor will coordinate access through strategically placed entry pits approximately every 500 to 1,000 feet. This approach limits excavation and reduces impacts to the surrounding community.
Residents, motorists, and pedestrians should anticipate the following temporary conditions during construction:
- Intermittent traffic lane and street parking closures
- Above-ground plastic piping and temporary hydrant connections
- Isolated street openings covered with steel plates
- Controlled water discharge during testing and flushing
- Construction activity and asphalt restoration
The City encourages residents to use caution in work zones and to follow all posted signage. Your patience and cooperation are greatly appreciated as Waterbury invests in essential infrastructure improvements.
For more information or to view a project map, visit the Water Department Office at 21 East Aurora Street.
To speak with a project representative, call 203-574-8251 (Ext. 7669 or 7443).
For customer service or to report a potential water quality concern, please contact the Customer Call Center at 203-574-8251.
Media Contact:
Jennifer Rose
Press Secretary, Office of Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski, Jr.
Email: Jrose@waterburyct.org
Cell: 203-241-4764