National Guard Deployed in Waterbury After Major Water Main Break

Waterbury faces one of its worst infrastructure failures in decades. A century-old high-pressure water main burst near Thomaston Avenue, cutting off or compromising water for most of the city and even affecting neighboring communities across central Connecticut.

From hospital operations and school schedules to restaurants and fire protection, the ripple effects are everywhere. Homes and businesses in Waterbury and towns like Naugatuck, Wolcott, Cheshire, Watertown, Bristol, New Haven, and Hartford are all feeling the strain.

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Massive Water Main Break Leaves Most of Waterbury Dry

The crisis began with a 36-inch transmission main that’s been the backbone of Waterbury’s water system for generations. When it failed, it didn’t just crack a pipe—it disrupted water delivery for tens of thousands across the region.

Officials say about 75% of Waterbury residents have no running water right now. Those who do still have water must follow a strict boil water advisory until testing shows the system is safe.

Valve Failures Complicate Repair Efforts

Repair crews are struggling with valves that won’t work as intended. Instead of shutting off the flow, the system keeps pushing water into the damaged section, flooding the area and making repairs harder.

City engineers are dealing with old infrastructure, high water pressure, and the challenge of finding the right replacement parts. Officials warn that repairs could take days rather than hours.

Boil Water Advisory and Widespread Service Interruptions

Even in areas where water still runs, residents need to be careful. Any water for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, or washing dishes must be boiled for at least a minute and cooled before use.

The advisory covers homes, businesses, and public facilities. It’ll stay in place until repeated lab tests confirm the water’s safe. Nearby towns like Naugatuck, Wolcott, and areas near Watertown are also being watched for possible impacts.

What Residents Should Do Right Now

Health officials urge people in Waterbury and affected towns to:

Boil all tap water before using it, even for babies or pets.

Don’t use unboiled tap water to wash fruits and veggies.

Use bottled water if you can while the advisory lasts.

Conserve water if you have any, to help the strained system.

Schools Closed, Hospitals Scale Back Services

This water main break has quickly become a citywide disruption. All Waterbury public schools are closed at least through Tuesday, and nearby districts like Cheshire and Bristol are watching to see if they’ll be affected too.

Hospitals are scrambling as well. In Waterbury, St. Mary’s Hospital has stopped surgeries and emergency admissions since water pressure is unreliable and sterilization systems can’t work without steady water.

Regional Health Systems Under Strain

Larger medical centers in New Haven and Hartford are still running at full capacity. They’re preparing for possible patient transfers from Waterbury-area hospitals.

Coordinating care across city lines is now part of the emergency response as providers try to make sure critical patients keep getting the treatment they need.

Fire Protection, Restaurants, and Everyday Life Disrupted

Fire protection is a big worry. With hydrants out of service in much of Waterbury, fire departments are bringing in tanker trucks from nearby towns to handle emergencies.

Restaurants and food-service businesses are also feeling the pinch. Health authorities have told them to scale back and only sell prepackaged food until the boil water advisory ends and water pressure returns.

Impact on Local Businesses and Workers

Small diners downtown and chain restaurants along routes to Wolcott and Naugatuck are losing revenue and shifting worker schedules. Many hair salons, gyms, and daycares are reconsidering their operations due to water and sanitation concerns.

National Guard, Neighboring Towns, and Volunteers Step In

The Connecticut National Guard is now helping local officials. They’re playing a key role in distributing bottled water and emergency supplies.

Drive-through distribution centers are up and running at places like Municipal Stadium and Crosby High School. Truckloads of water keep arriving from Pennsylvania, and local volunteers are helping people who can’t make it to the main sites.

Reaching Residents Without Transportation

For those without a car, water is available at the St. Vincent dePaul Mission shelter. Outreach teams are focusing on vulnerable groups—seniors, low-income families, and people experiencing homelessness—to make sure everyone gets safe drinking water during the crisis.

City Hall Response and the Road Ahead

Mayor Paul Pernerewski says the infrastructure failure is serious, and the response is massive. City Hall, public works, and emergency management teams are working nonstop with state agencies and mutual aid partners from all over Connecticut.

There’s no clear timeline yet. Officials promise to keep everyone posted on repair updates, water testing, school reopening, and any changes to the boil water advisory.

For folks in Waterbury and nearby towns like Watertown, Bristol, New Haven, and Hartford, this whole thing really puts a spotlight on how much we rely on our water systems—and just how vulnerable they can be sometimes.

Here is the source article for this story: National Guard deployed in Waterbury as water main break leaves most of city without water

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