Sewage Spill Forces Contact Advisory at John Martin Reservoir State Park

An untreated sewage spill of roughly 4.2 million gallons entered the Arkansas River in Pueblo, Colorado. The spill was detected mid-week, halted the next day, and high levels of E. coli were found in downstream samples. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) warned that the contaminated water would reach John Martin Reservoir State Park by the following morning, prompting a contact-avoidance advisory for the reservoir and the Arkansas River.

Denver Gazette

The spill occurs amid ongoing water-quality challenges at the park. Earlier testing had already downgraded the reservoir to a “yellow” caution level and closed Lake Hasty to full-body water contact because of dangerous cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) concentrations. CPW is coordinating with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to monitor the situation and keep visitors informed.

Denver Gazette

Park manager Dan Kirmer thanked officials for timely communication and emphasized the park’s continued operation despite the advisory. He noted that while CPW cannot stop the downstream contamination, it can prepare visitors and adjust signage as conditions evolve. CPW and state health officials are conducting additional testing and will update advisories as needed.

Denver Gazette

Visitors are instructed to avoid any activity involving water contact—swimming, wading, tubing, paddleboarding, fishing, and even allowing pets near the water. Warning signs will be posted around the reservoir. Lake Hasty’s algae restrictions remain unchanged, and the lake will not be affected by the sewage spill.

Denver Gazette

• “Lake Hasty will not be impacted by the sewage spill, but its existing algae restrictions remain in place,” — Dan Kirmer, park manager

Denver Gazette