Burlington Lifts Boil Water Advisory After Water Main Repair

Extensive Testing Confirms Water Quality Meets Safety Standards

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Burlington residents can now safely resume normal water usage following the lifting of the boil water warning issued earlier this week. The advisory, put in place after a notable water main break on Elm Street, has been officially rescinded as of 6:00 PM EST today, February 8th, 2026. Extensive testing conducted by the Burlington Water Department confirms that the water quality has returned to acceptable standards, meeting all federal and state regulations for safe drinking water.

Why it matters

The water main break and subsequent boil water advisory highlighted the need for continued investment in Burlington's aging water infrastructure. The incident disrupted normal water usage for many residents and raised concerns about potential contamination, underscoring the importance of proactive maintenance and emergency response protocols.

The details

The incident stemmed from a corroded 36-inch water main that ruptured during routine pressure testing. This resulted in a significant loss of water pressure throughout several Burlington neighborhoods, prompting the precautionary boil water advisory. Crews worked around the clock to isolate the break and complete the necessary repairs, which involved replacing approximately 50 feet of the damaged pipe with a new, durable section.

  • The boil water advisory was issued on February 6, 2026.
  • The water main break occurred on February 5, 2026.
  • The repairs were completed and the advisory was lifted on February 8, 2026 at 6:00 PM EST.

The players

Burlington Water Department

The municipal agency responsible for managing and maintaining the city's water supply and distribution system.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Burlington Department of Public Works is developing a comprehensive plan for proactive pipe replacement and rehabilitation to address the city's aging water infrastructure and prevent future incidents.

The takeaway

The successful resolution of the water main break and boil water advisory demonstrates the importance of robust emergency response protocols and the ongoing need for investment in critical water infrastructure to ensure the reliable and safe delivery of drinking water to Burlington residents.