Pueblo, Colo. – The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment have extended the advisory that bans recreation in the Arkansas River. The warning now remains in effect until further notice after a massive sewage spill released roughly 4.25 million gallons of untreated waste into the river last Friday.
Why the advisory was lengthened
Initially, officials asked residents to stay out of the river only until Monday, Aug. 31. New testing showed high levels of E. coli in water samples collected by the Pueblo County Public Health Laboratory, prompting the agencies to keep the advisory open. The contaminated water is expected to travel downstream, affecting the stretch of the Arkansas River from the Fountain Creek confluence through John Martin Reservoir. Communities along that corridor—including Blende, Avondale, Fowler, Manzanola, Rocky Ford, La Junta, and Las Animas—are all under the warning.
What the advisory means for residents
CDPHE advises anyone in the affected area to avoid swimming, kayaking, tubing, wading, or any other direct contact with the river. Pets and livestock should not drink the water, and the river should not be used for food preparation or fishing. The state’s Department of Agriculture has notified local producers and will continue to share updates.
Anyone who does come into contact with the water should wash exposed skin and clothing with soap and water immediately, and seek medical attention if symptoms develop. As of Monday, officials say there is no evidence that the spill has compromised municipal drinking water supplies.
Ongoing monitoring
CDPHE will continue testing the river over the next several days to track bacterial levels and determine when it is safe to lift the advisory. Colorado Parks and Wildlife reported that the spill has already reached a reservoir in Bent County, underscoring the downstream impact.
How to stay informed
Residents can follow updates from CDPHE, Pueblo County health officials, and local news outlets. The agencies will issue a notice when the river is deemed safe for recreation again.
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Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
