Food bank distributes free bottled water to Security residents

Care and Share Food Bank of Southern Colorado is holding another water distribution Friday for Security residents affected by contaminated water.

Last week, they distributed 1,000 cases of free bottled water and ran out in just 20 minutes. Today they plan on doubling the amount of water available.

The food bank is handing out bottled water at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church, in Security, Friday from 10 a.m. until when supplies ran out.

Last Friday, long lines of cars gave an idea of just how many people were in need of clean drinking water.

“I’ve been here since 5 o’clock this morning,” said Sarah Cerda.

Ceda and her family of seven were first to arrive.

“I’m just worried about my kids drinking the water that’s contaminated and we just want to make sure the water we get for them is safe,” said Cerda.

Months ago, man-made chemicals were detected in groundwater wells in the Security-Widefield area. All 25 wells in Security are now out of compliance due to the levels of PFCs found in the water.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s health advisory board says pregnant women and infants may want to avoid drinking the tap water.

“We were just aware of the water contamination issues in the area and we know the families who are in a position of need. Unexpected expenses like this can really make an impact,” said Shannon Brice, communications director for Care and Share Food Bank of Southern Colorado.

“We just spent $20 on only six cases, and that was the cheapest water we can find,” said Cerda.

Care and Share Food Bank used bottled water from their fire water storage to donate. It also plans on using disaster money to purchase more water for residents.

“Sustenance like water is so critical to everyone’s well-being and their availability to thrive, so it’s so important for us to make sure these families have that,” said Brice.

But Care and Share can’t fulfill the need for clean water for the long haul.

“At this point we’re not sure about the duration of how long we’ll be supplying water,” said Brice.

For now, the focus is on temporary relief.

“To make sure these families have enough time to save money for the filtration systems they may need in their homes,” Brice said.

“I’ve lived here my whole life, 34 years now, and I’ve noticed there’s actually a taste to the water and it’s pretty disgusting,” said Shaun Lawson.

For Lawson, receiving safe and free water is a relief.

“For them to give us this opportunity to have water and stuff it’s a blessing.”

Many are still concerned about the water contaminants but this provides some temporarily relief.

“Thank you. It’s amazing that they’re doing all this. It’s wonderful,” said Cerda.

Care and Share will pass out free bottled water again July 1 at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church, in Security.