Water supply emergency in Manitou Springs: Only drinking use permitted
(MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo.) — The City of Manitou Springs said it is experiencing a 'critical water supply emergency' and is directing all local residents and businesses to immediately cease all water use except essential drinking purposes.
The City sent a press release following water restrictions enacted earlier on Monday, May 12, and said the reason for the supply emergency is because of 'high turbidity levels' in the City's primary water source following the storm that hit the Pikes Peak region the week of May 5.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Manitou Springs enacts water restrictions following storm
Elevated water turbidity means there is a higher concentration of particles, which may signal harmful contaminants. Following the storm, the Pikes Peak region received several feet of snow. The City of Manitou Springs explained that as daytime temperatures rise, rapid snowmelt is causing increased runoff into the watershed. This runoff carries high levels of organic material and sediment, raising turbidity in the raw water entering the Manitou Springs Water Treatment Plant.
High turbidity levels were reported at French Creek after the storm, and due to the unavailability of the backup water supply, water reserves have dropped at a faster rate than expected.
According to the City, the primary water supply for the City of Manitou Springs is a very senior direct flow water right on French Creek on Pikes Peak. The City has also been a participant in the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project—a federal transmountain diversion project—since it was authorized in the 1960s. Manitou Springs accesses its Fryingpan-Arkansas Project water in two ways: by exchange into storage in the Manitou Reservoir and by direct delivery through Colorado Springs Utilities' Old Northslope Pipeline.
The Fryingpan-Arkansas Project water serves as a backup when flows in French Creek are insufficient to meet City water demands, which occurs rarely, or when turbidity levels in French Creek are too high for effective treatment at the City's water treatment plant.
Currently, the Old North Slope Pipeline is temporarily out of service for emergency repairs. Colorado Springs Utilities anticipates completing the repairs to the known pipeline leaks by the end of this week. Once repairs are finished and the system is recharged (which takes approximately 24 to 48 hours), the City of Manitou will switch to using the Old North Slope Pipeline until turbidity levels in French Creek subside and normal reservoir treatment operations can resume.
'Without access to this backup delivery method, proactive and complete conservation is the only way to maintain drinking water supply and safeguard system operations during this period of environmental stress,' the City said.
All non-drinking water use is prohibited
Dishwashing (except for sanitation)
Laundry
Showers
Car washing
Irrigation and outdoor sprinklers
Commercial and industrial uses not essential to drinking
To support emergency conservation efforts, the Manitou Springs Pool and Fitness Center is closed as of Monday, May 12, until further notice. All programs—including fitness classes, swim lessons, and team practices—are canceled. Updates will be shared via the Pool and City websites, social media, and email blasts to members.
Across City operations, water use is limited to essential services only, using pre-filled water trucks where needed.
The City said it will continue to issue updates through official channels, and FOX21 News will continue tracking this story. For urgent water-related needs, contact:
Public Works Emergency Line: (719) 685-2557
Urgent Public Works Issues: (719) 492-0058
Water/Sewer Emergencies: (719) 492-1970
General Inquiries: (719) 685-2573
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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