City of Walsenburg expects water to remain off heading into Wednesday night
The city of Walsenburg has been dealing with water problems all Wednesday.
Water has been turned off for a third of the homes in Walsenburg. Many other homes and buildings have been dealing with lower water pressure. The homes affected the most are on the north side or are highly elevated.
City officials say they hope the water will be turned back on Wednesday night, as crews continue to try to fix the problem.
Walsenburg’s main water valve broke during the early hours of Wednesday morning as crews were repairing some older water pipes.
City officials took the valve to a welder in Salida, but city officials say it cannot be fixed. They have identified that the entire valve system needs to be replaced.
A valve was patched by midday and water service slowly began to be restored. However, crews quickly realized there were further issues, and water was turned back off.
Walsenburg City Administrator James Toth told KRDO the hospital and downtown area are not affected.
“It’s just a very old city and has been neglected for quite some time,” said Toth, who is asking for patience while they try to fix the problem. “People are going to have to be without water until we get the repair done. Our public works director and four of his employees are at the site now diligently working on getting it repaired.”
Huerfano School District Re-1 closed two schools Wednesday due to a break in a water valve.
The district closed John Mall High School and Peakview all day Wednesday. Gardner school operated on a normal schedule.
Walsenburg resident Isaac Guerrero has been without water for most of Wednesday. He isn’t surprised by what has happened. In fact, he expects it.
“We know there isn’t a lot of money here, this is expected in a small town,” said Guerrero.
He isn’t alone. Orpha Tenoria who lives right outside of the city limits says she is prepared for situations just like this by having jugs and water bottles filled at all times.
“I start filling my water jugs and my water bottles,” said Tenoria. “I need to be safe at least for restroom purposes.”
KRDO will bring you updates.
