Emergency Response and Water Distribution Efforts
In the wake of a major water main break in Waterbury, state and local agencies have been working diligently to implement mitigation strategies. The incident has left significant portions of the city and surrounding towns without water for the foreseeable future. This disruption has forced hospitals and emergency crews to rely on water trucks for essential services.
During a recent news conference, officials highlighted the involvement of several state agencies, including the Connecticut National Guard, which is set to assist in distributing water to affected residents. The Department of Public Health is also actively involved in managing the crisis.
Restaurants in the impacted areas have been instructed not to prepare or sell any food until the water boil advisory is lifted. Only prepackaged items that do not require preparation can be sold, according to officials. Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski Jr. emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “We are working very hard.”
Schools in the area have been closed for the day, with plans to keep them closed through at least Tuesday due to the ongoing repairs. Fire services have been redirected, with tankers being brought in from surrounding towns to support operations. A regional tanker task force is on standby in case of large-scale emergencies.
Impact on Hospitals and Essential Services
Waterbury Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital have both been affected by the water main break. Hospitals are currently not performing surgeries, and St. Mary’s Hospital is not accepting emergency patients. However, St. Mary’s Hospital has activated its emergency management plan, deploying potable water and portable sinks as a precaution to ensure patient safety.
The hospital has enough water pressure to maintain essential functions, including heating, according to Stephanie Valickis, regional communications manager for Trinity Health of New England. Additional water supplies are being arranged to support essential operations.
Water Distribution Centers and Community Support
To address the immediate needs of residents, the city has established distribution centers with the assistance of the Connecticut National Guard. These centers allow people to drive through and pick up water, while a localized system is in place for those without access to vehicles.
On Saturday evening, food distributor Bozzuto’s and Dasani-Coca Cola Northeast delivered four truckloads of bottled water to Municipal Stadium on Watertown Avenue. City officials encouraged residents to visit the stadium for water, which will be distributed by the city and members of the National Guard until 8 p.m. or when supplies run out.
Additional water shipments are en route from Pennsylvania, and town officials are sourcing water from across the New England region. Water will be available at both Municipal Stadium and Crosby High School on Sunday starting at 9 a.m., continuing until 5 p.m. or until supplies are depleted.
For those unable to reach these locations by vehicle, water will also be available at the St. Vincent dePaul Mission shelter on Benedict Street.
Ongoing Repairs and Infrastructure Challenges
City officials have confirmed that fixing the over 100-year-old pipe could take several days. The failure of the 36-inch transmission main has led to widespread flooding and loss of water pressure. The challenge is exacerbated by the age of the infrastructure, with some valves not functioning properly.
Crews have been working on repairing the water main for at least three days, but the water could not be controlled by Friday night, causing further complications. Officials have stated that any residents or businesses served by the main will not have water until it is fixed.
A map of the impacted areas is being completed, with some low-lying neighborhoods along the Naugatuck River having partial water restoration. A 12-inch gravity pipe feeding these areas is operational, allowing residents to use their toilets. However, other parts of the city may face extended disruptions due to debris in the flooded area.
Public Communication and Next Steps
Mayor Pernerewski reiterated the city’s commitment to protecting public health and safety while restoring service as quickly as possible. He emphasized that city departments are working around the clock and will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Water Superintendent Brad Malay noted that the situation escalated quickly after the water main failed. Officials have advised residents whose water service is disrupted to boil their water once it is restored. Further instructions on the water boil advisory will be issued when restoration begins.
Residents with questions or needing additional assistance are encouraged to call 311.