Walsenburg Water Crisis Drags Into Day Five as Pressure Drops Again After Repair

Overview

• Mayor Gary Vezzani issued a seven-day disaster declaration and canceled Tuesday’s council meeting as city staff and Denver Water specialists work to diagnose the system.
• A boil-water advisory remains in effect because low pressure risks contamination, and the system must be flushed before the advisory can be lifted.
• Walsenburg schools closed Monday and Tuesday and will stay closed Wednesday and Thursday, the district superintendent said.
• Relief efforts continue with tankers at the Huerfano County Community Center, Red Cross water distribution and home visits, Molson Coors canned water, Salvation Army transport, and free showers available at Lathrop State Park.
• Crews fixed a leaking line near East Seventh Street and South Madison Avenue after losses climbed above 2,000 gallons per minute Monday, but water pressure later fell again and the cause remains under investigation.