John Scarffe, Central City.   At about 6:45 a.m. on January 11, 2019, the water system in Central City lost pressure due to a break in the main conduit that supplies drinking water, according to a news release, and a Boil Water Order was issued. When water mains lose pressure, it increases the chance that untreated water and harmful microbes can enter the water.

“Harmful microbes in drinking water can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms and may pose a special health risk for infants, the elderly and people with a severely compromised immune system,” according to the release. These symptoms are not just caused by microbes in drinking water.

Repair crews were mobilized and repairs were in progress immediately thereafter. On January 12 at 9 a.m., the city announced that the main line repairs had been completed.

Crews worked through the night and were finalizing the recharging of the water system. Pressure in the lines was gradually increased so as to lower the possibility of additional issues in the system, according to the town website.

Once the recharge was complete and all lines were fully pressurized, the city had to take several water samples to Colorado Health Department certified laboratories for testing. Before receiving authorization from the state to lift the boil order, it had to first pass test results with the regulatory agencies.

“The mandated testing takes about 24 hours to complete. In the meantime, the water can be used for domestic uses such as bathing and sanitary services; however, the boil order will remain in effect for consumption until authorized to lift this precautionary measure,” states the website. Until then, the city continued to make bottled drinking water available for pick-up at City Hall.

At 2:53 p.m. that afternoon, the city announced that the main line had been repaired and fully charged but asked that all residents please keep their faucets open until water comes out in a clear and steady flow to allow for any trapped air to escape. This should help expedite the restoration of normal pressure within the system.

On January 13 at 3:51 p.m., Central City lifted the Boil Order. City officials received the water test results that afternoon from the Colorado Department of Health. All tests were clear and officials were given permission to lift the Boil Order effective immediately.

The water system is operating normally, and the water is usable for all purposes, including drinking.

For more information visit https://www.colorado.gov/centralcity.