Press Release

For Immediate Release

January 7, 2026

Contact:

Jennifer Rose

Press Secretary, Office of Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski, Jr.

Email: Jrose@waterburyct.org

City of Waterbury Provides Update on Thomaston Avenue Water Main Break and 42-Inch Sliplining Project

(Waterbury, CT) The City of Waterbury is providing an update on the water main break repairs on Thomaston Avenue and the ongoing 42-inch sliplining project, both of which are nearing completion.

Water Main Break Repairs

All pipe work in the ground associated with the water main break has been successfully replaced, pressure tested, and is now operationally available. The temporary bypass has been removed from the 36-inch low service main, and full volume and pressure are currently flowing to the city.

The 36-inch high pressure main has been pressure tested and disinfected, with acceptable results. This line will be opened to the 42-inch main once that work is completed later this week. Repairs to the 12-inch line have also been pressure tested without issue.

The roadway has been fully backfilled and is awaiting final paving, which is anticipated to occur next week once the asphalt plant reopens.

Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski, Jr. praised the collective effort involved in restoring the system.

This was a complex failure affecting some of the most critical water infrastructure in our city, and the progress made in a short period of time is a direct result of the tireless work of our crews and contractors, said Mayor Pernerewski. I am grateful to everyone who worked around the clock in extremely difficult conditions, and I want to thank our residents and business owners for their patience and cooperation throughout this process.

42-Inch Sliplining Project

Pressure testing of the 42-inch sliplining project is underway today. While crews encountered issues yesterday with several mechanical connections, those problems have been resolved and the pipe is currently holding pressure. The line must maintain pressure for a full 24-hour period before it can be approved for operational use.

Once pressure testing is successfully completed, Murphy Pipeline will begin backfilling and closing the nine pits located between Waterville Park and the start of the project further down Thomaston Avenue

Because the 42-inch main has been out of service for nearly nine months, the pipe must undergo a required disinfection period of 24-hours followed by bacteriological sampling. Once all samples are confirmed clear, the 42-inch main will be placed back into service, allowing water to flow again from the treatment plant and through the repaired 36-inch high service main.

Bradley Malay, Superintendent of Water, emphasized the importance of the final testing and restoration steps.

Every component of this system has now been repaired and tested, and we are moving through the final validation process, said Malay. Holding pressure, completing disinfection, and confirming bacteriological results are critical steps to ensure long term reliability and water quality before the system is fully returned to service.

Once the 42-inch main is operational, the city will be fully functional and largely redundant, significantly strengthening Waterbury s ability to respond to any future water main issues.

Next Steps

With the emergency repairs and restoration work nearing completion, the city will now begin evaluating and advancing a plan for critical valve replacements within the water system. These improvements are intended to better isolate sections of the system in the event of future failures, reducing service impacts and improving overall system resiliency.

Mayor Pernerewski noted that the recent incident underscores the importance of continued investment in core infrastructure.

As we move out of response mode and back into normal operations, this is the right time to take a hard look at system upgrades that will strengthen our ability to isolate and respond to future issues, said Mayor Pernerewski. This event has reinforced the need to keep investing in the reliability and resilience of Waterbury s water system.

Additional updates will be provided as final testing and restoration activities are completed.