Boil water advisory hits Waterbury, forcing closures and disrupting businesses

WATERBURY, Conn. — Thousands of residents in Waterbury and nearby towns woke up Saturday to a boil water advisory following a major water main break. Health officials urged food service establishments to close, leaving local businesses scrambling during a key weekend for sales.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health is encouraging all stores that serve food in the Waterbury area to shut down until the water is deemed safe. While other businesses found ways to remain open by limiting services.

At Stilo VIP Barbershop in Waterbury, customers could still get a haircut but not a wash.

Barber Victor Mendes said he noticed discolored water in his own shower Saturday morning and immediately knew it was unsafe for customers.

“I wanted to take my shower in the morning, but I thought, no, this is no good,” Mendes said. “We have to wash the customers’ hair, but it’s too dirty. It’s not good for the business.”

Instead of closing completely, Mendes shut down his wash stations for the weekend, hoping to minimize losses while keeping customers safe.

Other small business owners decided closure was the only option.

Diamond Knight, who owns a nail and hair salon in the area, closed her shop for the day, calling it a difficult but necessary decision.

“Today alone, because it’s a Saturday, running a nail salon and hair, I would have made $2,000 today alone,” Knight said. “Fix it. Just please fix it.”

City officials say a quick resolution is unlikely. Waterbury Public Schools have already canceled classes for Monday due to the ongoing water issues.

Officials say the boil water advisory will remain in effect until further notice. Residents and businesses are urged to follow public health guidance as crews work to repair the damaged main.