WATER EMERGENCY UPDATE
City and state officials held a press conference to provide an update on the ongoing water emergency impacting Waterbury.
Governor Ned Lamont joined Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski, Jr. to reaffirm that the State of Connecticut is fully engaged and committed to supporting Waterbury through the response and recovery. Representatives from the Connecticut Department of Public Health, the Connecticut National Guard, and state and local emergency management agencies were also present.
The failure of a high-pressure water main has caused a system-wide loss of water pressure across the city. Repair work is actively underway, with the Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security on site throughout the night and day assisting with coordination, logistics, and sourcing the specialized parts needed to complete the repairs.
As a result of the ongoing water emergency, Waterbury Public Schools will be closed on Monday.
Once water service is restored, residents will be required to boil water before use. Deputy Commissioner Lisa Morrissey of the Connecticut Department of Public Health explained that because pressure was lost throughout the entire system, there is a risk that bacteria may have entered the water lines. For this reason, all restaurants are required to remain closed until the water system is fully tested and determined to be safe by the Connecticut Department of Public Health.
The Connecticut National Guard will assist with the distribution of bottled water to residents. Water distribution sites will be announced once tractor trailer shipments arrive in Waterbury and are set up to distribute water safely and efficiently.
Fire Chief Javier Lopez and Adam Rinko, Director of Emergency Management for the City of Waterbury, confirmed that both hospitals now have water tankers on site to pump water directly into their systems, allowing them to maintain safe operations. Mutual aid from surrounding communities is available if needed for fire emergencies.
Residents with questions are encouraged to call 311. City staff are actively answering phones to assist residents and provide information.
The City of Waterbury will continue to share updates as new information becomes available through official channels.