Public health alert: Sewage spill contaminates Arkansas River downstream of Pueblo
By
Stephanie EarlsAugust 29, 2026 | updated 2 hours ago
Health officials are warning the public to avoid the Arkansas River downstream of Pueblo – until further notice – after a “significant accidental release” of untreated sewage from the city of Pueblo’s wastewater treatment plant last week was found to have contaminated the water with high levels of E.coli
“The contaminated water will move downstream, but the advisory applies to the Arkansas River from where Fountain Creek enters the river through John Martin Reservoir, including areas near Blende, Avondale, Fowler, Manzanola, Rocky Ford, La Junta, and Las Animas,” according to a press release late Friday by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment
The spill began Wednesday and was stopped Thursday, according to the agencies, which said that testing of water samples collected downstream of the contamination point on Thursday by the Pueblo County Public Health Laboratory found high levels of the bacteria whose toxic strains can cause severe health problems. Those tests were completed, and the results released back to the health departments, late in the day Friday, according to the release
“While results upstream of the spill showed low levels of bacteria, downstream results showed extremely high bacterial levels, and the state health department is recommending that people do not recreate in or use the water until testing shows the bacterial levels have returned to normal,” said the agencies
No evidence has been found to suggest the spill affected public drinking water, they said
“Public drinking water systems have multiple barriers in place to protect against contamination and were notified of this spill in time to shut off intakes and take necessary precautions,” according to the state and county health authorities
They encouraged residents in the affected area who use a private well or another private water supply, and believe it may have been affected, to contact theWater Quality Control Division for guidance
Registered produce growers along the Arkansas River Valley are encouraged to seek guidance from the Colorado Department of Agriculture.
Testing of the water will continue over the coming days to assess and monitor contamination levels.
The public is cautioned to avoid contact with the river in the affected area until public health officials lift the advisory
Water contaminated by E.coli may contain “bacteria, viruses, or parasites that can cause diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, fever, and other illnesses,” According to CDPHE and PDPHE
The public health warning applies to all activities and water use in the affected area:
- 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.
Anyone who comes into contact with the river water should:
- Wash their hands and exposed skin thoroughly with soap and clean water.
- Remove wet clothing and wash it separately.
- Contact a health care provider if symptoms develop, especially if symptoms are severe or the person is very young, older, pregnant, or has a weakened immune system.
TagsArkansas Rivercity of puebloColorado Department Of Health And EnvironmentE Coli 2Fountain CreekPueblopueblo department of public health and environment
