Latest news with #ColoradoSpringsUtilities'
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Manitou Springs says water remains 'critically low'
(MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo.) — The City of Manitou Springs remains under emergency water restrictions due to limited potable water supply. The city issues began on May 6, when high turbidity levels were reported at French Creek after a storm that brought rain and snow into the area. Manitou Springs' main water supply is a senior direct flow water right on French Creek on Pikes Peak. The city also gets water from the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project and uses it as backup. The city can only access the water from the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project by exchanging into storage in the Manitou Reservoir and direct delivery by Colorado Springs Utilities' Old Northslope Pipeline. Currently, the Old North Slipe Pipeline is out of service for emergency repairs. As of Monday, May 12, the City said once repairs are finished and the system is recharged, the city will switch to it until turbidity levels subside. On Monday, the City was able to process 150,000 gallons of water, but it was all consumed overnight from 8 p.m. through Tuesday morning. 'The City understands that some water use cannot be avoided, but we ask the community to be cognizant of the severity of the situation and make every effort to use water responsibly and efficiently,' the City said in a statement. 'Every gallon conserved helps preserve the supply for all residents and prevents further strain on the system.' The statement further explained that while the City's secondary water tank had increased resiliency, the water 'remains critically low.' The City is asking citizens to conserve water, and is requiring them and businesses to only use it for essential drinking and sanitation purposes, such as brief showers, dishwashing, or bathroom usage. In the statement, the City thanked local businesses that have closed or shifted to using disposable items to reduce water use. 'While other businesses are not required to close, the City encourages those that are able to shorten hours or temporarily close to consider doing so as an added conservation measure,' the statement said. We understand that this may not be feasible for some businesses and appreciate the continued limited water use, wherever and whenever possible.' The City also thanked citizens for their help. '…The City of Manitou Springs extends its deepest thanks to everyone for their attention, cooperation, and commitment to preserving this essential resource. Your ongoing conservation efforts are making a meaningful difference during this critical time.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
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.
