Press Release

For Immediate Release

December 14, 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 and Restoration Efforts

(Waterbury, CT) Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski, Jr. provided an update on the City of Waterbury’s response to the significant water main failure on Thomaston Avenue that has disrupted water service to much of the city and impacted surrounding communities.

Crews were able to safely access the site and fully assess the damage on Sunday. The failure involves a 36-inch transmission main that was compromised following an earlier break on the same roadway earlier in the week. The extent of the damage is more severe than initially anticipated, requiring the construction of new sections of water main in order to restore full service.

“This is a large and complex failure of critical infrastructure,” said Mayor Pernerewski. “Our crews are working around the clock to stabilize the system, divert water away from the damaged section, and rebuild the main in a way that allows us to safely and reliably restore service to our residents.”

Water service has been restored to several areas of the city. These areas include much of the downtown, Bunker Hill, Town Plot, and the Country Club neighborhoods. Full restoration to all remaining areas will require additional repair work and system stabilization.

Water Superintendent Brad Malay said crews are working continuously to construct a bypass and new sections of main to divert water around the damaged area and restore service citywide.

“Our teams are working day and night under difficult conditions,” said Malay. “The focus is on completing a safe and durable repair so the system can be brought back online as quickly as possible.”

Both Waterbury Hospital and Saint Mary’s Hospital are fully supplied with water and remain open and operational.

Due to the ongoing impacts of the water main break, Waterbury Public Schools will be closed on Monday. School operations will be evaluated on a day-by-day basis for the remainder of the week.

A boil water advisory has been issued for Waterbury. This order will remain in place until full service is restored and water quality testing is completed and approved by the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

Drinking Water Distribution

The city has established multiple potable water distribution sites to ensure residents have access to clean drinking water. Distribution is underway daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or until supplies are depleted, at the following locations:

• Municipal Stadium, 1200 Watertown Avenue
• Crosby High School, 300 Pierpont Road

With the assistance of the Connecticut National Guard, approximately 5,000 gallons of drinking water have been distributed to date. Additional water deliveries are expected, and distribution will continue for as long as necessary.

Residents in need of water are encouraged to visit either distribution location or contact 311 for assistance.

Fire and Emergency Services

Fire Chief Javier Lopez reported that mutual aid assistance from neighboring communities successfully supported a local fire response Saturday evening, demonstrating the strength of the regional emergency response network during this water emergency.

Mayor Pernerewski added, “I want to thank our residents, city crews, volunteers, the State of Connecticut, and the National Guard for their tireless efforts. Their dedication is critical to restoring water service safely and as quickly as possible.”

Residents are encouraged to visit waterburyct.org for official updates and to contact 311 with questions or for assistance. The city will continue to provide regular updates as restoration efforts progress.