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 not extend into unincorporated Huerfano County.

The boil water advisory has been lifted.   This advisory was put in place because pressure dropped throughout the distribution system.

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 27 | Evening Update – Final Update

• The boil water advisory has officially been lifted as of March 27. Water quality testing has confirmed that the water is safe to drink and meets all state standards.
• For more information on actions after a boil advisory please see this guidance from CDPHE: FAQ – Water Quality After a Boil Advisory
  This information is intended to help residents and businesses safely transition back to normal water use now that the advisory has been lifted.

March 24 | Morning Update

Walsenburg Residents: This message is from the City of Walsenburg.

Please continue to use water for non-potable purposes.  Increased usage at this stage helps distribute chlorine disinfectants throughout the system.

The boil water advisory remains in effect. Elevated chlorine levels may affect laundry washing. Please continue to follow all precautions.  Please do not drink the water.

March 20 | Morning Update

• Boil advisory remains in effect
• Showers still available at Lathrop State Park through Sunday, March 22 at 6 PM
  • They must be reserved by 4:30 PM today
  • Call the hotline at 719-738-3000 ext. 512 to schedule. The hotline closes at 4:30 PM.
• Water distribution continues at the Community Center today through 6 PM. Water distribution is both potable and non-potable.
• Another section of the City lost pressure overnight and City crews are actively engaged.

March 19 | Afternoon Update

• Boil advisory remains in effect
• Walsenburg Golf Course has closed its mobile shower units and water distribution center
• Showers still available at Lathrop State Park through Sunday, March 22 at 6 PM
  • They must be reserved by 4:30 PM tomorrow, Friday, March 20
  • Call the hotline at 719-738-3000 ext. 512 to schedule. The hotline closes at 4:30 PM on Friday, March 20
• Water distribution continues at the Community Center tomorrow from 8 AM – 6 PM
• Please see the Elevated Chlorine Flushing Guidance for Community below

March 19 | Morning Update

• The boil water advisory remains in effect.
• Crews continue working to stabilize and re-pressurize the water system.
• Please continue to conserve water to support system recovery efforts.
• Do not drink tap water at this time.
• Water may be used for showering; however, take precautions to avoid ingesting water.
• Additional guidance will be shared as conditions improve, including next steps once the advisory is lifted.
• Public showers are still up and running at Lathrop State Park and Walsenburg Golf Course.
  • Call the hotline at 719-738-3000 ext. 512 to schedule
• Distribution Centers are still open at Community Center and Walsenburg Golf Course.

March 18 | Afternoon Update

• The boil water advisory remains in effect.
• Please continue to conserve water while the City works to re-pressurize the system.

March 18 | Morning Update

• The boil water advisory remains in effect
• The majority of the city currently has good water pressure and access
• Water is safe for showering; however, do not drink the water
• For children: use sponge baths and avoid submerging to prevent water from getting into their mouths
• Additional guidance on best shower practices will be provided soon
• Guidance will be shared once the water boil advisory is lifted, including how to properly flush:
  • Home plumbing
  • Coffee makers
  • Ice machines
• Showers are available at Lathrop State Park and the Walsenburg Golf Course
  • Call the hotline at 719-738-3000 ext. 512 to schedule

March 17 | Afternoon Updates

• Water leakage has decreased. More data and updates will be shared as they become available.
• The boil water advisory remains in effect.
• Please do not flush body or bath wipes, as they can cause issues in the sewage system.
• The shower trailer at the Walsenburg Golf Course is fully operational and stocked with shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.

March 17 | Morning Updates

• A leak has been located, but the situation is not yet fully resolved. Crews are continuing to work toward stabilization.
• The boil water advisory remains in effect until further notice.
• Water Service Update and Safety Guidelines
  • Water service is beginning to return to some areas of the community.
  • Residents in affected areas should follow flushing and safety guidance before using water. See “Returning Water Service: Safety Guidelines” section below for full guidelines.
• A mobile shower unit is being deployed to the Walsenburg Golf Course (1399 Co Rd 502, Walsenburg, CO 81089), connected to Lathrop State Park. It is expected to be in place by approximately 1:00 PM today and will be open to the community.
  • Shower access will be scheduled through the hotline, 719-738-3000 ext. 512
  • 20-minute time slots will be available
• Two water distribution points are now available:
  • Huerfano County Community Center (928 Russell St, Walsenburg, CO 81089) – potable water, bottled water, and hand sanitizer available for pickup
  • Walsenburg Golf Course (1399 Co Rd 502, Walsenburg, CO 81089) – a second distribution site is being set up with the same supplies

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.

Elevated Chlorine Flushing Guidance for Community

As part of the process to lift the boil advisory the water system must temporarily raise the chlorine levels in the water to remove any organisms that may be present. Water systems in Colorado are required to add chlorine to the water to disinfect the water supply and to prevent bacteria from growing in the water distribution system. It’s possible that chlorine levels or the interaction of chlorine with a build-up of organic matter in your plumbing system may cause the taste or odor to be strong during this disinfection process. Following the disinfection process with elevated chlorine levels, the water will be flushed out of the system and chlorine levels will return to normal.

Keep in mind that during this disinfection and flushing process that the boil advisory is still in place. There are no additional precautions that you need to take. However, if you are sensitive to the taste or smell of chlorine, boiling the water will remove the chlorine, as will allowing chlorinated water to stand in an open container for a few hours.

Customers who use tap water for home kidney dialysis should consult their healthcare provider to clarify if any changes are necessary in their disinfection residual neutralization procedures.

Chlorine can be harmful to fish and amphibians. However, proper filters and chlorine removal products will address these concerns. We recommend speaking with someone at your local pet store or veterinary office if you have concerns about your pets.

Returning Water Service: Safety Guidelines

Water service is beginning to return to portions of the community. If your home is receiving water, please follow these steps to protect your plumbing and appliances:

• Do not run laundry until further notice. Sediment and rust may still be present and can stain clothing and damage machines.
• Flush your plumbing system: Remove faucet aerators/screens and run water for at least 5 minutes before reinstalling. This helps clear sediment from the lines.
• Boil water advisory remains in effect: Continue boiling water for drinking, cooking, and food preparation.
• Showering Guidance:
  • After flushing your plumbing, showering is permitted
  • You do not need to remove the showerhead screen, but you may do so as an added precaution
• If you have a tub/shower combo:
  • Run the tub faucet first, then switch to the shower to prevent sediment buildup in the showerhead
  • Do not consume the water while showering
• If you are immunocompromised: Do not shower until the boil water advisory is lifted

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.

Walsenburg Golf Course
1399 Co Rd 502, Walsenburg, CO 81089

Available supplies:

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

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

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

Walsenburg Golf Course
1399 Co Rd 502, Walsenburg, CO 81089

A mobile shower unit is being deployed to the Walsenburg Golf Course, connected to Lathrop State Park. It is expected to be in place by approximately 1:00 PM on March 17 and will be open to the community. 20-minute time slots will be available.

Reservation required.

Call: 719-738-3000 ext. 512

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.