CPW issuing water contact advisory for reservoir downstream of the Arkansas River after sewage released in Pueblo
HASTY, Colo. (KRDO) – On Monday, Colorado Parks and Wildlife says more than four million gallons of sewage will reach a reservoir in Bent County.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Around 4.25 million gallons of untreated sewage enter Arkansas River near Pueblo
On Wednesday, August 26, a City of Pueblo wastewater treatment plant started spilling 4.25 million gallons of untreated sewage into the Arkansas River. The release wasn’t discovered until the next day, August 27, and once discovered was stopped.
State health officials say the raw sewage contains harmful bacteria that present risks to human health.
Now that harmful bacteria will be entering a new waterway: the John Martin Reservoir.
A water contact advisory is going into effect starting Monday at the reservoir. CPW says this means visitors and their pets shouldn’t touch the water or participate in water activities, including fishing.
“While we cannot fix what is coming downstream, we have an opportunity to prepare and communicate with our visitors before it arrives,” said Dan Kirmer, John Martin Reservoir State Park Manager.
CPW says they are coordinating with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to keep park staff informed, take water samples, and continue to monitor the sewage as it continues downstream.
The park will stay open, and the advisory applies to activities involving direct contact with water in the Arkansas River and John Martin Reservoir.
Warning signs will be posted at the park and around the reservoir to alert visitors to the contamination and water contact advisory.
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