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Sewage Spill Clogs John Martin Reservoir
31 Aug
Summary
- 4.2 million gallons of raw sewage spilled into the Arkansas River.
- E. coli levels prompted a water contact advisory for John Martin Reservoir.
- Separate algae concerns also affect Lake Hasty and the reservoir.
A significant sewage spill in Pueblo has led to a critical water contact advisory for John Martin Reservoir State Park. On August 26 and 27, an estimated 4.2 million gallons of raw sewage entered the Arkansas River due to a failing wastewater pipe.
Subsequent testing revealed elevated E. coli levels, prompting the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to issue a warning against river contact downstream from Pueblo. The contamination was expected to reach John Martin Reservoir on August 31.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is coordinating with health officials for water quality monitoring at the park. Visitors are now warned to avoid swimming, wading, fishing, and other activities involving direct contact with the reservoir and river water.
In addition to the sewage, the reservoir is experiencing separate water quality issues related to cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae. Lake Hasty, a distinct body of water within the park, is under a red danger advisory and closed to water contact due to high algae levels.
