Waterbury: Main break forces school closure

A rupture in a 12-inch water main on North Main Street has disrupted service to approximately 25 homes and businesses in Waterbury, local officials confirmed Friday.

The break occurred in the 1100 block of the street. Water Department crews began assessing the damage and preparing for repairs immediately after the failure. A spokesperson for Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski Jr. stated that taps in the affected zone would shut off around noon. The team estimated the repair process would require six to eight hours.

Jonathan E. Reed Elementary School, located within the affected area, adjusted its schedule in response to the infrastructure failure. The school district’s Central Office sent notifications to parents and guardians through ParentSquare regarding the change. Students were scheduled to leave campus at 12 p.m. instead of the standard dismissal time.

Officials warned that water returning to the system might appear discolored. The Mayor’s Office advised residents to run kitchen or bathroom faucets until the water cleared. This warning accompanied the release of the early dismissal notice.

The city plans to install an isolation valve in the repair site. The release described this as a proactive measure to improve the distribution system. This addition will allow the city to isolate the school's water service independently, preventing future disruptions to Reed School if another break occurs nearby.

Water Department crews will remain on site until the valve is installed and the line is tested. The isolation valve installation is part of the same work order as the initial pipe repair.