Update: Saturday, March 14, 9:45 a.m.
Residents of Walsenburg who need bottled drinking water can get some at the Huerfano County Community Center, with distribution at the American Legion entrance.
Water is restored, although as the World Journal reports, it's running at less than optimal pressure. A boil advisory remains in place.
Original story:
Updated: Friday, March 13, 6:25 p.m.
City officials in Walsenburg have declared a disaster after a water main break led to a loss of pressure city-wide and a boil advisory. The declaration means the cost and magnitude of responding to and recovering from the break "is far in excess of the city's available resources." The declaration allows the city to access aid across jurisdictions.
The water main break occurred in the early morning hours of Friday, March 13, but discovering the source has proven elusive. As of 6:20 p.m., crews are still working to identify the source. City officials have been coordinating their response with both Huerfano County and the state health department.
In the meantime, a boil water advisory is in effect. Health officials say people should boil water for at least one minute before drinking, cooling, brushing teeth or other uses. According to a warning from the city, while they have not detected any contaminants, "the loss of pressure in the distribution system may have allowed disease-causing organisms to enter the water system."
City and county facilities are in the process of receiving water donations. They'll share information on how to get bottled water as soon as they're ready to distribute it. Additionally, San Isabel Electric is asking residents to turn off the power to electric water heaters or extinguish the pilot on natural gas or propane water heaters. Doing do can help prevent damage to the systems.
The city's Water and Sewer Department says they'll flush the entire water system before lifting the boil advisory. There is no estimated time for service restoration.
