Health warning for Runyon Lake in Pueblo

An estimated 20,000 gallon wastewater spill occurred Friday morning at Court and 6th Streets in Pueblo.

Most of the spill entered Pueblo’s storm sewer system. The storm sewer discharges into the channel feeding Runyon Lake, which discharges to the Arkansas River upstream of Fountain Creek. The Health Department is issuing a health advisory warning to stay out of the lower natural Historic Arkansas River Park (HARP) area, Thomas Phelps Creek, Runyon Lake and the Arkansas River.

It is projected this spill will reach Runyon Lake by Friday evening. “We anticipate bacteria levels may be elevated in the lower natural HARP area, Thomas Phelps Creek, Runyon Lake and possibly along the north bank of the Arkansas River below Runyon Lake as a result of this recent spill. The Pueblo City Wastewater Department will monitor and sample as this flow moves through our community. We advise the public to stay out of these waterways until testing confirms the waterways are safe and at recreational standards for contact for people and animals,” stated Dr. Christine Nevin-Woods, Director of the Pueblo City-County Health Department.

The Pueblo City-County Health Department advises the following public health recommendations:

– Do not allow children or pets to play in the water, nor allow children to play with toys that have been in contact with the water.

– Individuals who come in contact with the water should wash their hands frequently with soap and clean warm water. If clothing/shoes get wet, they should be removed and washed in warm water.

– If a person is exposed to the water and has open wounds, they should contact a physician or local health department for guidance regarding receiving tetanus and/or immunizations.

The health advisory will be lifted when the testing confirms that waterways are safe and at recreational standards for contact for people and animals.

Warning signs are being placed along high profile areas around the lower natural HARP area, Thomas Phelps Creek, Runyon Lake and the Arkansas River, which are accessible to the public, to warn people to avoid contact with creek water.