Waterbury Lifts Boil Water Advisory After Major Main Break

Waterbury has officially lifted its citywide boil water advisory after nearly a week of precautionary measures following a significant water main break. Mayor Paul Pernerewski announced the update on Thursday afternoon, stating that residents can now safely use tap water for all household purposes, including drinking and cooking.

The advisory was enacted after a massive water main break occurred on the night of December 1, 2023. Waterbury officials explained that the incident’s scope necessitated extensive repairs and careful system restoration. To ensure the safety and reliability of the city’s water supply, rigorous testing was conducted.

By Thursday, officials confirmed that water quality samples collected from 22 locations throughout the distribution system tested negative for both total coliform and E. coli bacteria. The water samples, collected on Wednesday and sent to a state-certified laboratory, returned results on Thursday afternoon. These results met all state and federal drinking water standards, indicating that the water is safe for consumption.

The full laboratory test results will be made available for public review at www.waterburyct.org. In his statement, Mayor Pernerewski expressed gratitude to the community for their patience during this challenging period, emphasizing the unity displayed among residents.

“This announcement brings to a close a very difficult chapter for our city, especially during what should have been a time of family, tradition, and preparation for the holidays,” Pernerewski said. He continued, “I want to thank our residents and businesses for their patience, resilience, and compassion for one another. Neighbors checked on neighbors, shared resources, and stepped up when it mattered most.”

The mayor also extended his appreciation to the city’s water department crews and staff who worked diligently around the clock in freezing temperatures. “Ending this advisory marks the final step in an emergency response that began nine days ago and restores a sense of normalcy as our city moves forward together,” he added.

City officials plan to continue reviewing system performance and documenting lessons learned from this incident. They will also advance infrastructure planning efforts to enhance reliability and resilience in the future.

Following the water main break, a significant portion of the city experienced water outages for four days, leading to school closures from Monday through Wednesday. Water service was restored on Tuesday night, but the boil advisory remained in effect until Thursday, resulting in the temporary closure of local restaurants.

To support the community during the advisory, Waterbury schools provided bottled water and ensured that food services met guidelines established by the FDA and the State Health Department. The swift response and cooperation among various city departments demonstrated Waterbury’s commitment to public health and safety.