Fire Damages Water Systems: Bottled Water Advisory Issued

Residents returning to some areas evacuated for the Aspen Acres Fire are now under a critical advisory to use bottled water for drinking and food preparation. This directive, issued on July 7, applies to those served by the Pine Drive Water District or Signal Mountain Ranch Property Owners Water Company. The fire caused significant damage to the water system infrastructure in these communities, leading to a loss of water pressure.

Officials from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) warned that the loss of water pressure can allow contaminants into the pipes. Furthermore, heat from the fire may have introduced other quality concerns that boiling cannot resolve. Residents are explicitly told not to boil their tap water, as this will not eliminate potential fire-related chemicals. They may, however, continue to use tap water for showering and laundry.

Individuals with private wells are also urged to use bottled water until they are certain their supply is safe. Private wells can be compromised by fire damage, ash, debris, pressure loss, or chemicals from burned structures. CDPHE advises inspecting well areas for safety and testing the water before use, recommending professional assistance if damage is apparent. The department is collaborating with local health and emergency management officials to determine when the water systems will be safe for consumption again.