Press Release

For Immediate Release

December 16, 2025

Contact:

Jennifer Rose

Press Secretary, Office of Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski, Jr.

Email: Jrose@waterburyct.org

Press Conference Notice

Day:                Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Time:              11:00 a.m.
Location:        Waterbury Water Department, 21 East Aurora Street, Waterbury, CT

Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski, Jr., Water Superintendent Brad Malay, and other city officials will be present to provide an update on water system restoration efforts.

Waterbury Water System Restoration and Drinking Water Distribution Update

(Waterbury, CT) The City of Waterbury is providing an update on the ongoing effort to safely restore water service following the recent system-wide shutdown.

Water was turned back on at approximately 8:30 p.m. last evening. At this time, water is being carefully introduced into two 12-inch low-pressure mains as part of a controlled process designed to mitigate air trapped throughout the system.

Because the system was fully drained, the water mains have relaxed and shifted. Introducing water too quickly under high pressure could cause significant damage, particularly to smaller distribution mains and service lines that feed homes and businesses. For this reason, crews are slowly introducing low-pressure water while simultaneously releasing air from the lines.

Once the entire system is fully charged and all trapped air has been removed under these low-pressure conditions, additional pressure will be gradually introduced into the system.

City officials want to stress the importance of patience during this process. Accelerating water induction could result in catastrophic impacts to smaller mains and residential service connections, potentially causing further outages and damage.

Drinking Water Distribution

Drinking water distribution sites remain open today at Municipal Stadium, 1200 Watertown Avenue, and Crosby High School, 300 Pierpont Road. Bottled water will be distributed at both locations until noon today.

In addition, drinking water is being distributed throughout the city to residents who are infirm, housebound, or elderly and unable to travel to distribution sites.

The City appreciates the public’s continued cooperation and understanding as crews continue restoration efforts and provide essential support to residents.