PRESS
RELEASE
For Immediate Release
January 22, 2026
Contact:
Jennifer Rose
Press Secretary, Office of Mayor
Paul K. Pernerewski, Jr.
Email: Jrose@waterburyct.org
City of Waterbury Completes Major Water
Infrastructure Project, Restores Transmission Main to Service
(WATERBURY, CT.) The City of Waterbury
announced today the successful completion of its 42-inch water transmission
main slip lining project, marking a major milestone in the city s long term
water infrastructure investment. The project, which began in March 2025, was
completed last night when the transmission main was officially placed back into
service and is now actively supplying water to the city.
This approximately 10 month project
involved the rehabilitation and return to service of nearly two miles of critical
water infrastructure extending from the Fulton Park area toward Thomaston. The
transmission main had been taken out of service in March to allow for
construction and rehabilitation work and has now been fully restored.
With the completion of this project,
Waterbury s water distribution system now includes built in redundancy. The
system is capable of supplying the entire city through two separate
transmission lines, significantly improving reliability and reducing the risk
of widespread service disruption should one line require repair or maintenance
in the future.
This is a significant investment in the
long term reliability of Waterbury s water system, said Mayor Paul K.
Pernerewski, Jr. Completing this project strengthens our infrastructure,
improves system resiliency, and positions the city far better to handle future
challenges.
The project represents a total capital
investment of approximately $13 million. Funding includes a $1.5 million grant
from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The remaining balance will be
financed through a 20 year, low interest loan at approximately 2 percent
through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program. Financing for the
project was supported by a previously approved water system infrastructure bond
authorization from the Board of Aldermen.
Water Superintendent Brad Malay emphasized
the operational importance of the project s completion. Putting this
transmission main back into service is a major step forward for our system,
said Malay. Having redundancy means we can maintain service citywide even when
one line is taken offline, which is critical for both residents and emergency
response.
Murphy Pipeline served as the contractor
for the project.
Some residents throughout the city may
notice some temporary water discoloration following the reintroduction of the
transmission main. This is the result of routine system flushing and hydrant
operations conducted to remove air from the system and ensure proper fire
protection. Customers experiencing discolored water are advised to run cold
water through their bathtubs for a short period until the water clears. The
discoloration is temporary and does not pose a public health concern.
The City of Waterbury will continue to
invest in water system upgrades and long term infrastructure planning to
enhance reliability, resiliency, and service for residents and businesses.
For questions or concerns, residents are
encouraged to contact 311.
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