Recent water release to line water mains raises concern in northwest Pueblo neighborhood
PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) -- Pueblo Water Works is in the process of placing liners inside 24-inch and 21-inch water mains, but some neighbors are unhappy about how much water is being released as part of the process.
The release point for the water discharge is Baltimore Avenue, just south of 32nd Street; the water flows downhill for seven blocks and partially floods intersections before entering a drainage channel near 28th Street and Freedom Avenue.
Neighbors who contacted KRDO 13's The Road Warrior about the matter said the discharge began several weeks ago, and they're unhappy about it.
"Oh, man! It's been maybe, at least, a week and a half?" said Shelby Gurule. "Two weeks almost. All this water is just non-stop, non-stop all the time."
There's concern about possible street damage, and questions about whether the water is going to waste at a time when much of the state continues to experience drought conditions.
Pueblo Water Works posted a response on its website, saying that draining the mains will relieve pressure and make it easier and safer for crews to line them.
Spokesman Joe Cervi said that draining the mains also allows the utility to continue providing water service to its customers.
"We appreciate the public's concern about this, and we're glad to talk to them about it, glad to educate them about it," he said. "It's just one of those things that has to happen for this project to get done, and we're doing it as quickly as we can. But, just know that the water is not going to waste."
The utility also insists that the water is not being wasted and will eventually flow -- through stormwater and wastewater systems -- into the Arkansas River that supplies the city with its water.
"Other communities and the farms downstream will be able to use it," he explained. "There are no issues with water quality."
Although one customer told The Road Warrior that his bill has increased significantly since the project began, Cervi insisted that customers won't have to pay for the project.
"He's welcome to call our customer service team," he responded. "But this project has zero effect on anyone's bill."
Cost and timeline aren't available for the overall project, which includes several water main improvements in the area.
Neighbors received welcome news on Wednesday, as the utility said that the water drainage on Baltimore should end in a week or two, and similar discharges likely won't be needed in future project phases.
The current phase covers two miles from the Watts storage tank to Dillon Drive, crossing under Interstate 25.
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