Stories From the Field
Water, Water, Everywhere… And a Community That Showed Up
In December 2025, a powerful 36-inch water main break near Thomaston Avenue plunged Waterbury and neighboring communities into a widespread water crisis. As crews worked tirelessly to contain the damage and restore service, thousands of residents were without running water, closing schools and turning basic daily needs into urgent concerns.
For older adults and individuals with disabilities, especially those who were homebound or reliant on medical equipment, the situation was more than an inconvenience. It was a serious health and safety emergency.
That is when the power of community connectedness came into focus.
WCAAA on the Ground, From the First Call Forward
The Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging (WCAAA) acted immediately. In partnership with the City of Waterbury Mayor’s Office and the United Way of Greater Waterbury, the Agency on Aging helped ensure that the city’s most vulnerable residents were not overlooked in the response.
WCAAA staff reached out directly to thousands of older adults in the community, checking on their safety and identifying urgent needs. Special attention was given to seniors using oxygen or other medical equipment that required water—those residents were prioritized to ensure their health was not compromised.
The goal was simple but essential: show up, stay connected, and make sure no one was left behind.
WCAA Board of Directors Chair, Susan Coates (left) and Money Follows the Person Care Manager, Gisela Medina (right).
Collaboration in Action
This response was a true community effort. Members of WCAAA’s Board of Directors worked side by side with staff, delivering water directly to residents. As a nonprofit partner embedded in the community, WCAAA coordinated closely with municipal leadership, emergency responders, and fellow service organizations to support distribution efforts citywide.
Gratitude for a Community That Cares
WCAAA extends heartfelt thanks to the United Way of Greater Waterbury, the City of Waterbury Mayor’s Office, and the Waterbury Police and Fire Departments for their leadership and unwavering support. Gratitude is also extended to the Agency partners at the Greater Waterbury YMCA, the American Red Cross Connecticut, municipal staff, volunteers, and every individual who stepped forward during this crisis.
As reported by The Waterbury Times on December 13, 2025, this was a serious infrastructure failure that tested the resilience of an entire community. What emerged was a powerful reminder of what defines their work within the Western CT region.
The Real Story
The real story behind Waterbury’s watermain break is not just about aging infrastructure. It is about trusted partnerships, disciplined coordination, and people showing up for one another when it matters most.
For WCAAA, this response reflects our mission in action: protecting older adults, strengthening community connections, and ensuring that even in moments of crisis, dignity, safety, and care remain at the center of the response.
The WCAAA did not just deliver water, but reassurance, connection, and hope…everything you can expect from an Area Agency on Aging.
