Water to be shut off in Walsenburgfor 12 hours

Those in Walsenburg should prepare to be without water for 12 hours on Wednesday.

Water will be shut off from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. so crews can tie in the new water line on Indiana Avenue.

The city expects water to be back on no later than 5 p.m.

Schools had to be closed for the day and the only area that will still have water is the nearby hospital.

Some residents say they understand why the water has to be turned off, but for small business owners disagree. Several mom and pop restaurants and even a hotel had to close their doors to the public because of the water.

Tim Alfrey, the executive chef for the La Plaza hotel and restaurant says he and the owner are disappointed they had to close their doors. Especially during the busy holiday season. “This time of year is a big year for us,” says Alfrey. “We get really busy with the holiday rush and it’s really disappointing to have to close for a shift.”

Another complaint from residents was that the city gave them less than 24 hours to prepare for the water shut off.

The City’s original plan was not to shut off the water to the whole town. According to the contractor for the project Gary Vezzani with Walsenburg Sand and Gravel, he says the city was hoping to just shut down the water in the area of the project. After multiple attempts, the city could not figure out a way to make it work.

Anyone with further questions should call the Utility office between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Any concerns after 4 p.m., call Public Works Director David Harriman at (719) 989-0437.

Updates will be given every two hours on the city website.