Waterbury Faces Potable Water Crisis After Major Pipe Failure

The city of Waterbury, Connecticut, is grappling with a severe water crisis following a major failure of a transmission main late on March 15, 2024. The incident occurred around 23:00, compounding issues from a previous water main break on Thomasson Avenue that had taken place earlier in the week. Officials are now working diligently to restore potable water to the city and surrounding areas.

According to Mayor Paul Pernerewski, the transmission main is a crucial component that delivers water from a nearby treatment facility. The initial main that failed was installed in 1901, while the transmission main dates back to 1907. Bradley Malay, Waterbury’s superintendent of water, explained that while the city experiences between 30 to 40 water main breaks annually, most occur in smaller lines rather than these major transmission pipes.

“Age along with the condition of those pipes means it doesn’t take much for them to fail,” Malay noted. Contributing factors include frost heave and nearby construction, which can disrupt the pipes’ bedding in the ground. Despite these challenges, Malay highlighted that efforts are underway to upgrade the city’s infrastructure, with nearly $30 million invested this year alone.

As of Saturday morning, crews had yet to assess the full extent of the damage caused by the latest failure. A bypass line has been established, providing water to about 25% of the city; however, this water is currently unsafe for drinking or cooking. Pernerewski advised residents, “You should not drink the water until we have had it tested. In the meantime, the only way you can consume it is to boil it.”

The mayor also mentioned plans to isolate the water system at Huntington Avenue, which could enable the re-energizing of the Bunker Hill area. This move would also facilitate the draining of water from the site of the failure, allowing for a clearer assessment of the situation.

The impact of the water main failure extends beyond Waterbury. Neighboring towns, including Watertown, Wolcott, and Prospect, are also affected. A boil water advisory has been issued for the entire city and surrounding areas, necessitating that residents boil all tap water for consumption and cooking until further notice. City health officials have mandated that restaurants may only serve pre-packaged food during this time.

Waterbury public schools will be closed on Monday as a precautionary measure. Hospitals in the city are also facing critical challenges. Waterbury Hospital, the largest medical facility in the area, has limited reserve water in tanks, which is quickly being depleted. A tanker with potable water was dispatched to the hospital on Saturday morning, while Saint Mary’s Hospital has been left without water. City officials are working to deliver a water tanker to this facility as well.

Due to the water crisis, both hospitals are currently performing only emergency surgeries, canceling all non-emergency operations. Patients in need of treatment are being diverted to Waterbury Hospital.

In response to the crisis, the state has deployed multiple tankers filled with water to assist local hospitals and nursing homes. Pernerewski has declared a state of emergency and is collaborating with Governor Ned Lamont to secure state-level assistance for water distribution and pipe repairs.

“The first step is to shut off the water at the point of failure so we can assess the damage,” Lamont stated during a press conference. “Waterbury is already taking proactive measures, having ordered necessary parts to address the situation. Our focus is on prioritizing the most vulnerable, starting with hospitals and nursing homes to ensure they have the water and pressure needed.”

As crews work tirelessly to restore water services, residents are urged to stay informed and adhere to safety advisories. The situation remains fluid, and further updates will be provided as assessments continue.