FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 24, 2025

Contact:
Jennifer Rose
Press Secretary, Office of Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski, Jr.
Email: Jrose@waterburyct.org



Mayor Pernerewski Provides Update on Water Main Break on Huntingdon Avenue

WATERBURY – Mayor Paul Pernerewski has provided an update regarding the ongoing 30-inch high-pressure transmission main break on Huntingdon Avenue.

“Many households across Waterbury are already without water, and that number will continue to increase as the higher elevations of the system drain,” said Mayor Pernerewski. “Once the 10 miles of pipe connected to this transmission main are fully drained, crews can begin making the repair. For residents at lower elevations, there is a possibility that service will continue without interruption.”

The break was caused by the failure of an air relief device on the century-old concrete transmission main. When workers attempted to shut down the affected section, they discovered the isolation valve, due to its age, was not able to be closed. 

To stop the flow of water to the break, the city shut down the Water Treatment Plant’s high service pumps. Approximately 3 to 4 million gallons of water are draining from the system before repairs can begin. Once drained, crews expect repairs to take between one and two hours.

Waterbury Hospital
A top priority for the city is ensuring Waterbury Hospital remains fully operational. The hospital has access to a reserve tank with approximately five million gallons of water to protect patient care during this emergency. St Mary’s Hospital is not expected to be affected.

Resident Advisory
Residents are strongly encouraged to have bottled water on hand as service disruptions continue to spread throughout the day.

School Closures
Due to the ongoing water main break, all Waterbury Public Schools will be closed today.

“I want to assure the people of Waterbury that every available resource is being used to restore service as quickly as possible,” Mayor Pernerewski said. “I know how disruptive this is, and I thank our residents for their patience and understanding as we work through a very challenging repair.”

The City will continue to provide updates as repairs progress.