Colorado Department of Public Health finds high E.coli levels in the Arkansas River following sewage discharge

PUEBLO, Colo. (KOAA) — The Pueblo Wastewater Department was able to get control of an unplanned sewage discharge into the Arkansas River on Thursday.

Friday, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued an advisory about high bacteria levels in the river, asking people downstream to avoid water recreation until the advisory is lifted.

According to the City of Pueblo, the Wastewater Department informed its downstream neighbors and users about the unplanned discharge that occurred near Confluence Park, which is located east of Runyon Field Sports Complex.

Crews stopped the discharge around 11:45 a.m. Thursday after the notification of sewage in the river.

“We need to notify the public of the untreated discharge issue in the Arkansas River so that water users, recreation individuals, and more can avoid the area,” said Director of Wastewater Andra Ahrens. “We recommend careful consideration over the next 48 to 72 hours to avoid any contamination concerns.”

According to the department, the wastewater pipe running inside the stormwater pipe had a hole cut into the top of it many years ago. When crews originally repaired it, they patched it with concrete.

In the years that followed, concrete eroded or fell from the hole, and the pressure forced sewage into the stormwater pipe that flowed back into the Arkansas River.

On Friday night, test results from three samples collected by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment showed high levels of E.coli in the samples collected downstream.

CDPHE will continue to test over the next several days.

Pueblo Wastewater says residents in the following downstream communities should avoid water activities until Monday, August 31:

• Avondale
• Boone
• Fowler
• Manzanola
• Rocky Ford
• Swink
• La Junta
• Las Animas

Avoid contact with the river until public health officials lift the advisory:

• Stay out of the Arkansas River downstream of the discharge location.
• Do not swim, wade, tube, kayak, or participate in other activities involving contact with river water.
• Keep children and pets away from the river.
• Do not allow pets or livestock to drink river water.
• Do not drink untreated river water or use it to prepare food.
• Avoid fishing in the affected area.
• Do not use untreated river water on fruits or vegetables that will be eaten raw.

Currently, the CDPHE says there is no threat to drinking water supplies; those who use a well or other private water supplies and believe their systems may be impacted should contact the Water Quality Control Division.
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