Water boil directive no longer in effect in Pueblo

UPDATE: The Board of Water Works of Pueblo has lifted the boil water directive. The test results from the sample taken in the area affected by Saturday’s water line break are absent from any contaminants.

Customers within the effected areas (downtown Pueblo, East side, and Mesa Junction) can now resume normal water use.

4th Street, between Court Street and Grand Avenue, remains closed for drivers until repairs are completed.

Original Story:

Following Saturday’s water main break, the Board of Water Works of Pueblo has released a public notice. If you live within the affected area — as outlined by the updated map above — please take caution with your water usage and read the information below to avoid possible contamination.

The affected area includes Mesa Junction, downtown Pueblo, and the east side.

At approximately 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 6th, a large water main break occurred on West 4th Street between Grand Avenue and Court Street in downtown Pueblo.

“Definitely one of the worst water line breaks in Pueblo in the past fifteen years I’ve been here,” said Matt Trujillo with the Pueblo Board of Water Works. “Without knowing whether contaminants were drawn into the water line or not. We issued the boil alert for the pressure zone that was affected.”

Crews are testing the water in the three neighborhoods, and should have results around 9 p.m. this evening. Pueblo Water Works will post updates to their website at www.pueblowater.org as soon as they

The cause of the break remains unknown. However, Trujillo says this couldn’t have been a case of old infrastructure.

“This pipe was actually replaced three years ago,” said Trujillo. “The cause of the break, that’s going to be the focus of our crews this next week or two.”

4th Street from Court Street to Grand Avenue will be shut down for at least a week as crews work to repair the roads.

For tips on how to stay safe and avoid contamination, Pueblo Water Works has provided the information below. In short, avoid consuming water as it’s most commonly ingested: drinking, brushing teeth, and preparing food.

What should I do if I am not in the affected area?
Residents outside the areas noted on the map should use water as they normally do. If you’re not in the affected area you can continue your normal water consumption, there is no risk to you.

What should I do if I am in the affected area?
Pueblo Water asks all customers in the affected areas to protect themselves from potential contamination by using alternative water supplies, such as bottled water, or boil their water for five minutes before consuming until test results confirm that the water is safe. Additionally, please refer to the following for more information.

During a boil advisory, can I wash my hands using tap water?
It is recommended that you wash your hands using soap and either bottled water or boiled water. An alcohol-based hand sanitizer may also be used.

During a boil advisory, can my family take showers or baths using tap water?
The risk of bathing in tap water is uncertain and so should be avoided particularly by people with open wounds or who are immune-compromised. For those people who choose to shower or bathe in the tap water, minimize the time spent in the water and be sure to keep your eyes and mouth closed. Babies and young children should not bath or shower in tap water because they often swallow some water accidentally.

During a boil advisory, can I wash dishes using tap water?

You may use a dishwasher if it has a sanitizing cycle. If it does not have a sanitizing cycle, or you are not sure if it does, you may hand wash dishes and utensils by following these steps:
Wash the dishes as you normally would.

As a final step, immerse the dishes for at least one minute in lukewarm water to which a teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water has been added.
Allow the dishes to completely air dry.

Can I use my coffee maker, ice machine, water or soda dispenser?
None of these devices should be used if they are directly connected to your water supply. Also, filters are unacceptable for removing bacteria. Once you have been notified that the boil advisory has been lifted, these devices should be cleaned and sanitized according to the operator’s manual for the device.

Can I give my pets tap water?
Although pets are not normally affected by the same diseases as humans, caution suggests giving pets boiled or bottled water.

I have a water treatment device; do I still need to boil my drinking water?
If the device is designed to improve the taste and odor or chemical quality of the water, such as activated carbon filters, it is still necessary to boil the water. Check with the manufacturer if you are not certain.