Pueblo residents lose trust after more than 4 million gallons of sewage dumped into Arkansas River

Pueblo residents are expressing concern and low trust after 4.2 million gallons of untreated sewage containing harmful bacteria were dumped into the Arkansas River. The City of Pueblo Wastewater Department issued a weekend warning to avoid downstream activities after a compromised wastewater pipe released the spill. Residents reported noticing a strong odor along the river; testing by the Pueblo County Health Laboratory confirmed extremely high E. coli levels downstream of the treatment facility. While officials said there is currently no evidence the spill impacted drinking water, public health officials advised people and pets to stay away from the river downstream from Pueblo, including avoiding fishing and swimming, and to wash with soap and water after any contact. The advisory is expected to continue as the contamination travels toward John Martin Reservoir in Hasty on Monday morning, with affected areas near Blende, Avondale, Fowler, Manzanola, Rocky Ford, La Junta and Las Animas.