Waterbury Faces Potable Water Crisis After Major Pipe Failure

The city of Waterbury, Connecticut, is currently experiencing a significant potable water crisis following a major failure of a transmission water main on the night of March 15, 2024. The incident occurred around 23:00, compounding issues that began earlier in the week when a separate water main break was reported on Thomasson Avenue.

According to Waterbury Mayor Paul Pernerewski, the transmission main, which is critical for delivering water from a nearby treatment facility, failed while crews were already working on the previous break. The initial main that broke on March 13, 2024, is over a century old, having been installed in 1901, while the transmission main dates back to 1907.

Bradley Malay, Waterbury’s superintendent of water, explained that while the city typically averages between 30 to 40 water main breaks annually, most occur on smaller mains. The transmission pipes, however, are under significant pressure due to the distance water must travel from the treatment facility, often reaching up to 200 pounds per square inch. Malay identified several factors contributing to the failures, including the age of the pipes and external conditions such as frost heave and road construction.

A temporary bypass line has been established to supply water to approximately 25% of the city, but this water is deemed unsafe for drinking or food preparation. The mayor advised residents, “You should not drink the water until we have had it tested. The only way you can consume it is to boil it.”

Efforts are underway to isolate the water system at Huntington Avenue, which would allow for an assessment of the damage and facilitate repairs. The mayor noted that this would help restore water to the Bunker Hill area, which includes Waterbury Hospital.

As a precautionary measure, a boil water advisory has been issued for the entire city and surrounding areas, including parts of Watertown, Wolcott, and Prospect. Health officials have mandated that restaurants can only serve pre-packaged food, as they cannot prepare meals without safe water. Additionally, public schools in Waterbury will close on March 18, 2024, in response to the crisis.

The situation has also severely impacted local hospitals. Waterbury Hospital has some reserve water available, but it is being quickly depleted. A water tanker was dispatched to the hospital on the morning of March 16, while Saint Mary’s Hospital is currently without water. The city is coordinating efforts to supply tankers to both facilities, and non-emergency surgeries have been canceled at both hospitals.

Governor Ned Lamont has been involved in the response to the crisis, declaring a state of emergency and pledging state assistance for water distribution and repairs. At a press conference, he stated, “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 emphasized the priority of supporting vulnerable populations, including hospitals and nursing homes.

As city officials assess the damage and plan repairs, the community remains on high alert amid the ongoing water emergency. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops and efforts to restore safe drinking water continue.