From Prowers County Public Health and Environment: Update regarding the recent Pueblo wastewater spill

Arkansas River Advisory (Hwy 50 Area in Lamar)
Water samples collected on September 1, 2026, from the Arkansas River near the Highway 50 area in Lamar revealed E. coli levels of 613.1 CFU/100mL. This significantly exceeds the public safety threshold of 235 CFU/100mL.

The public is strictly advised to avoid all contact with the water in this area until further notice. This includes swimming, wading, tubing, fishing, and boating. Contact with contaminated water can cause serious gastrointestinal illness and infections.

North Gateway Ponds

Water quality testing is currently underway for the North Gateway ponds. The ponds only receive inflow from the Arkansas River during major flood events, and no such events have occurred since the recent spill. While the risk of impact remains very low, officials are testing the water out of an abundance of caution to ensure community safety. All lab results will be released publicly as soon as they become available.

John Martin Reservoir Cleared for Use
In contrast, water quality testing at the John Martin Reservoir indicates that bacteria levels have dropped well below the safety threshold. Officials have officially cleared the reservoir, and it is now safe for all recreational activities.

Next Steps and Monitoring
Officials will continue to sample and monitor the water quality along the affected routes. Updates will be provided to the public as soon as new data becomes available or when the advisory for the Lamar area can be safely lifted.

For more information, members of the public and media can call 719-336-8721 or visit the dedicated Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) incident page.

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