Press Release

 For Immediate Release

July 30, 2026

Contact: Jennifer Rose

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

Email: Jrose@waterburyct.org

City of Waterbury Provides Update on Tompkins Street Water Main Repair

The City of Waterbury continues to make steady progress on repairs to the transmission water main break on Tompkins Street.

The specialized replacement parts have arrived and are currently being installed by Dayton Construction and Water Department crews. If repairs continue as anticipated, the city is hopeful that water will begin flowing back into the system sometime after midnight tonight. As the system is brought back online, residents should expect water service to be restored gradually as pressure builds throughout the distribution system.

Recent water samples have tested with good results. However, the Water Department believes it is prudent to maintain a precautionary boil water advisory for residents in the affected area. Residents should boil their water for several minutes before using it for drinking, brushing their teeth, or cooking. Although current test results are favorable, conditions may change as water tank levels decline, resulting in lower system pressures throughout the area impacted by the main break.

On Friday and Saturday, Water Department crews will be flushing the water system and collecting additional water samples to ensure the water is safe for normal use. The city will notify residents as soon as the precautionary boil water advisory has been lifted.

Residents in Watertown may also experience temporary water discoloration as their system is carrying much of the demand for higher elevation service areas while repairs are underway. While discolored water can be concerning, it is a common occurrence following a significant water main break and is expected to improve as the system is flushed.

The city will continue distributing bottled water to affected residents at the Municipal Stadium North Parking Lot, 1200 Watertown Avenue. Distribution will continue today until 7:00 p.m. and will resume on Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. As of the issuance of this press release, the City has distributed more than 1,500 cases of bottled water to residents who are currently without water service.

Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski, Jr. thanked residents, businesses, Dayton Construction, the Water Department, and the many city employees who have assisted with this emergency response.

"Our crews have worked tirelessly around the clock to complete this repair as safely and efficiently as possible," said Mayor Pernerewski. "We know this has been a difficult situation for many of our residents and businesses, and we sincerely appreciate everyone's patience and cooperation as we move into the final stages of restoring water service and ensuring the system is safe for normal use."

The city will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available.