Waterbury Faces Water Crisis Following Major Pipe Failure

Residents of Waterbury, Connecticut, and surrounding areas are grappling with a significant water crisis following a major water main failure on the night of March 15, 2024. A transmission main, crucial for delivering potable water from a nearby treatment facility, failed at approximately 23:00 while crews were still addressing a previous water main break on Thomasson Avenue that occurred two days earlier.

Waterbury Mayor Paul Pernerewski reported that the transmission main, which dates back to 1907, is part of an aging infrastructure that has faced multiple challenges. The initial main that broke on March 13 was even older, constructed in 1901. According to Bradley Malay, Waterbury’s superintendent of water, the city typically experiences 30 to 40 breaks per year, although most are on smaller mains that are repaired quickly.

The failure of the transmission main has left approximately 25% of Waterbury without access to safe drinking water. A bypass line has been established to provide water to some areas, but officials have cautioned that this water is not safe for consumption or cooking. Mayor Pernerewski emphasized the importance of boiling water before consumption until the water quality can be verified.

“Because the pressure dropped across the city last night, you should not drink the water until we have had it tested,” Pernerewski stated. He noted that efforts are ongoing to isolate the water system at Huntington Avenue to restore service to critical areas, including Waterbury Hospital, which is currently relying on reserve water supplies.

The crisis is further exacerbated by the impact on local hospitals. Waterbury Hospital has some reserve water, but this supply is dwindling. Meanwhile, Saint Mary’s Hospital has reported a complete lack of water and is awaiting tanker deliveries of potable water. Both hospitals are currently limited to emergency surgeries, having canceled all non-emergency operations.

In response to the emergency, a boil water advisory has been issued for the entire city and affected neighboring towns, including Watertown, Wolcott, and Prospect. Local health officials have mandated that restaurants may only serve pre-packaged food until the advisory is lifted.

As a precaution, Ned Lamont, Governor of Connecticut, has been in contact with Mayor Pernerewski to provide assistance. “The first thing we go to do is shut off that water at the point of failure so we can get in and see the nature of the damage,” Lamont stated during a press conference. He underscored the urgency of prioritizing support for hospitals and nursing homes affected by the water crisis.

Mayor Pernerewski declared a state of emergency on March 16 and has called for immediate state-level assistance to expedite repairs and ensure safe water distribution. The city has invested nearly $30 million this year to upgrade critical infrastructure, aiming to mitigate future risks associated with aging pipes.

As the situation develops, Waterbury officials remain focused on restoring safe water access to the community and ensuring the health and safety of residents and patients alike.