Walsenburg Water Main Break Updates

Overview

Huerfano County and the City of Walsenburg are responding to a water main break that occurred in the early morning hours of Friday, March 13, which caused a loss of water pressure across the city’s water system. At this time, the area of impact does extend into unincorporated Huerfano County; however, it does not extend beyond the City water system.

Because pressure dropped throughout the distribution system, a boil water advisory is currently in effect.

This page will be updated regularly as new information becomes available.

There is currently no estimated timeline for full restoration of service.

Recent Incident Updates

Newest updates appear at the top

March 16 | Afternoon Updates

• Water System: Crews continue working on the west side while dispatching teams to investigate a newly discovered potential leak on the east side that may be contributing to water loss. Officials expect to know within the next couple of hours if it is a significant factor.
• Water Distribution: An additional potable water filling unit has been added at the Community Center (928 Russell Street, Walsenburg) alongside the existing non-potable water. The site is located at the northeast corner gravel parking lot with one-way traffic in and one-way out.
• Mobile Showers: A mobile shower unit from Fremont County with heated showers will arrive tomorrow morning and is expected to be operational by midday at the 2nd Street Walsenburg Golf Course facility connected to Lathrop State Park.

March 16 | Morning Updates

• The Huerfano County Senior Center will continue providing grab-and-go meals for seniors who have made reservations. Meal service will remain available throughout the week during the water system disruption.
• Denver Water crews are actively working to detect the location of the leak.
• The hospital has a full water tank and access to both hot and cold water.

March 13 | 6:25 PM

• City officials declared a disaster after a water main break caused a citywide loss of pressure. A boil water advisory was issued as a precaution.

Current Advisory

Boil Water Advisory in Effect

Residents should boil water for at least one minute before using it for:

• Drinking
• Cooking
• Brushing teeth
• Preparing food
• Making ice

Although no contaminants have been detected, the loss of pressure may allow organisms to enter the water system.

The advisory will remain in place until system flushing and testing confirm the water is safe.

Water Distribution

Huerfano County Community Center
928 Russell St, Walsenburg, CO 81089
(719) 738-3000 ext. 114
Hours: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM*

*Hours may change daily. This page will be updated accordingly in the recent updates section.

Available supplies:

• Potable drinking water
• Distilled water
• Non-potable water
• Hand sanitizer

Distribution uses the east-side rear entrance of the Community Center.

Non-Potable Water Fill Truck

Huerfano County Community Center
928 Russell St, Walsenburg, CO 81089
(719) 738-3000 ext. 114

Located in the west parking lot.

• Bring your own containers
• NOT safe for drinking
• Intended for toilet flushing or cleaning

The truck will remain overnight for self-serve use and will be refilled daily.

Public Showers

Lathrop State Park
70 Co Rd 502, Walsenburg, CO 81089

Free public showers available from 8 AM – 5 PM daily.

Reservation required.

Call: 719-738-3000 ext. 512

The call center for shower access is available 8:30 AM – 5: 30 PM.

After making a reservation, check in at the Lathrop State Park Visitor Center.

An additional mobile shower unit will arrive on March 17 and is expected to be operational by midday at the 2nd Street Walsenburg Golf Course facility connected to Lathrop State Park.

Emergency Water Requests

Emergency after-hours water delivery is available.

Requests are routed through Huerfano County Dispatch by calling the non-emergency line at 719-738-1044.

Law enforcement will assist with urgent deliveries.

A plan is in place to deliver non-potable water to vulnerable populations.

Sign Up for Emergency Alerts

Residents are encouraged to sign up for Reverse 911 notifications:

https://huerfano.us/hcnotify-sign-up/

System Recovery

Once the leak is located and repaired, the Water and Sewer Department will flush the entire water system before lifting the boil water advisory.

There is currently no estimated timeline for full restoration of service.