Press Release
For Immediate Release
December 16, 2025
Contact:
Jennifer Rose
Press Secretary, Office of Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski, Jr.
Email: Jrose@waterburyct.org
Mayor Pernerewski Provides Update on Water Service, Distribution, and Infrastructure Planning
(Waterbury, CT) Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski, Jr. today provided an update on the City of Waterbury’s ongoing water system restoration efforts, including current system conditions, drinking water distribution operations, and immediate actions being taken to strengthen the city’s water infrastructure.
Water continues to be carefully reintroduced into the system under low-pressure conditions to allow air to be safely released from the lines. This controlled process remains critical due to the size and age of the system and the risk of damage to smaller mains and residential service connections if pressure is increased too quickly. Crews are actively monitoring conditions throughout the system as additional pressure is gradually introduced.
While water service is being restored to residents, the city remains under a boil water advisory. Water samples are being sent to a State-certified laboratory tomorrow morning, and results are expected to be returned on Thursday morning. The advisory will remain in effect until testing confirms the absence of bacteria in the system.
The city’s immediate priority remains the safe and stable restoration of water service while minimizing the risk of further infrastructure failures.
Updated Drinking Water Distribution Plan
The city is continuing its drinking water distribution operations with adjustments to meet current needs.
Tomorrow, bottled water will be distributed at Municipal Stadium, 1200 Watertown Avenue beginning at 9:00 a.m. and continuing until supplies are depleted.
The Crosby High School distribution site is no longer in operation.
Home water deliveries continue for residents who are infirm, housebound, or elderly. These deliveries are supported by United Way volunteers and local nonprofit partners working in coordination with the city.
Residents who are in need of assistance or unable to access drinking water are encouraged to contact 311 or call (203)597-3444 for support and coordination of services.
Infrastructure Planning and Next Steps
Mayor Pernerewski is initiating a proactive approach to strengthening the city’s water system. In the coming weeks, the Mayor is meeting with the city’s Director of Finance Mike LeBlanc, Budget Director Sarah Geary, and Water Superintendent Brad Malay to immediately identify key areas of weakness within the water system and begin addressing those needs without waiting for the next fiscal year budget process.
“Our focus is on both restoring service safely today and making sure we are better prepared for the future,” Mayor Pernerewski said. “We are taking a hard look at our system, identifying vulnerabilities, and moving forward with improvements as quickly and responsibly as possible.”
Mayor Pernerewski acknowledged how incredibly difficult and disruptive this situation has been for residents, families, and businesses across the city, particularly for those who have gone extended periods without reliable water service.
“We know how deeply this has impacted people’s daily lives, and we do not take that lightly,” Mayor Pernerewski said. “It has disrupted daily routines, created stress for families and businesses, and tested people’s patience in very real ways.”
The Mayor also noted that, even in the midst of these challenges, the city has witnessed compassion and cooperation throughout the community, with residents looking out for one another and volunteers stepping forward to help those most in need.
“In times of real hardship, the strength of a community is often revealed,” Mayor Pernerewski said. “What we are seeing across Waterbury is care for one another, patience in the face of difficulty, and a shared commitment to getting through this together.”
The city continues to provide updates as restoration efforts move forward and infrastructure planning advances.