Press Release
For Immediate Release
August 3, 2026
Contact: Jennifer Rose
Press Secretary, Office of Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski, Jr.
Email: Jrose@waterburyct.org
City of Waterbury Announces End of Boil Water Notice
The City of Waterbury today announced that the Boil Water Notice affecting approximately 15,020 residents and businesses has been lifted, effective 4:25 p.m., following confirmation that the municipal water system is safe for normal use and consumption.
Water Department crews collected water quality samples throughout the affected distribution system, and the City received notification from the South Central Regional Water Authority Laboratory that all required samples tested negative for Total Coliform and E. coli bacteria. The results confirm that the water meets all state and federal drinking water standards. Once the written laboratory report is received, it will be uploaded to the City's website for public review.
The Boil Water Notice was issued as a public health measure following two transmission water main breaks on Tompkins Street that disrupted water service to thousands of residents and businesses. Before lifting the notice, the Water Department completed extensive repairs, restored water service, flushed the distribution system, and collected water quality samples to ensure the safety of the drinking water supply.
Residents may now resume normal use of tap water for drinking, cooking, food preparation, brushing their teeth, bathing, and all other household purposes. Residents are encouraged to run their faucets for a few minutes to allow clean water to flush their plumbing system. If you have an aerator on your faucet that can be removed, it is advisable to remove the aerator prior to flushing. Residents with built-in refrigerator icemakers or other kitchen appliances that are attached to a water line should also dispose of ice that was made during the Boil Water Notice. Residents should follow the manufacturer's guidance when flushing other appliances. Residents who experience temporary water discoloration are encouraged to run cold water until it clears. Discolored water is a common occurrence following a major water main break and continued system flushing.
Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski, Jr. thanked residents, businesses, and the many employees and partners who worked tirelessly throughout the emergency response.
"The lifting of the Boil Water Notice marks the final step in our response to this emergency and is welcome news for our residents and businesses," said Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski, Jr. "I want to sincerely thank everyone for their patience and understanding over the past several days. I am especially grateful to our Water Department crews and Dayton Construction, who worked around the clock under extremely challenging conditions to complete these repairs safely and restore service. I also want to thank our first responders, Waterbury Public Schools, the Greater Waterbury YMCA, our Health Department, and every city employee who stepped up to support our community throughout this response. This effort demonstrated what we can accomplish when our entire community comes together."
The City also thanks the Connecticut Department of Public Health for its guidance throughout the incident and the residents and businesses who followed the Boil Water Notice while repairs and water quality testing were completed.
The City will continue to monitor the water distribution system and perform routine flushing in the coming days as the system returns to normal operation.
For additional information, residents may contact the Water Department at (203) 574-8251 or visit www.waterburyct.org.