Arkansas River Sewage Warning
Millions of Gallons of Raw Sewage Threaten Southern Colorado Arkansas River
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More than 4 million gallons of raw sewage is flowing down the Arkansas River in southern Colorado, triggering urgent public health warnings across the region. The contaminated water is moving downstream toward John Martin Reservoir State Park in Bent County, where it is expected to arrive Monday morning, News Observer reported.
Public health officials have ordered people to avoid swimming, wading, tubing, paddleboarding, and fishing in the reservoir and affected stretches of river. Water samples show high levels of dangerous bacteria including E. coli, and the Colorado Department of Agriculture has warned produce farmers downstream from Pueblo about contaminated irrigation water, Daily Gazette stated.
Raw Sewage Moves Downstream Toward Reservoir
The 4 million-gallon spill began somewhere upstream in southern Colorado and is slowly traveling down the Arkansas River toward Bent County. Officials expect the contaminated flow to reach John Martin Reservoir State Park by Monday morning. The river between Pueblo and the Colorado-New Mexico state line serves farms, ranches, and communities that depend on it for water supply, Bradenton Herald noted.
Health Officials Ban Water Recreation Activities
Public health agencies have issued strict warnings to keep people away from the river and reservoir. Swimming, wading, tubing, paddleboarding, and fishing are all prohibited until the sewage passes and water quality improves. The ban applies to John Martin Reservoir State Park and surrounding areas where the contaminated water will travel, Bellingham Herald reported.
Dangerous Bacteria Detected in Water Samples
Water tests from the Arkansas River show high levels of E. coli and other harmful bacteria that pose serious health risks to swimmers and people eating contaminated fish. These pathogens can cause severe gastrointestinal illness and infections. Officials are monitoring the contamination as it moves downstream, The State said.
Agricultural Warning for Irrigation Water
The Colorado Department of Agriculture has issued a safety alert for farmers using Arkansas River water for crops. Irrigation downstream from Pueblo may now carry E. coli and other pathogens from the sewage spill. Produce growers are being advised to stop using river water or take precautions until contamination levels drop. The warning affects farms and ranches across southeastern Colorado's agricultural region, BND reported.
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