Indoor water restrictions in Manitou Springs were lifted Wednesday after the mountain town’s water treatment plant made significant progress and repairs to its backup supply were completed ahead of schedule.
Residents and businesses were told they could resume normal water use, like dishwashing, laundry and bathing, after two days of conserving water due to a critically low water supply. The city had urged residents to cease all nondrinking water use after high turbidity levels, or extreme haziness, was detected in the water entering the city’s water treatment plant.
The problem started after several feet of snow on Pikes Peak, from last week’s storm, quickly began to melt and caused increased runoff into the watershed. That runoff carries a lot of sediment and microorganisms that can affect treatment operations.
But on Wednesday, the city’s treatment plan treated about 457,000 gallons of water — its highest daily output since emergency restrictions began, the city said in a news release.
Repairs to the pipeline that transfers the city’s backup water supply were also completed ahead of schedule and the city started to receive water Wednesday through the Fryingpan-Arkansas project, which moves water from the western side of the Continental Divide to the eastern side.
Turbidity levels in a stream called French Creek on Pikes Peak, where the city gets most of its water, are still being monitored.
The city applauded the community’s conservation efforts in the water supply turnaround, including Manitou Springs School District 14 for closing school for a day during final exams. Several businesses also voluntarily closed, while others shortened their hours and used disposable items to conserve water.
“The city extends heartfelt thanks to the residents who made sacrifices — shortening showers, skipping laundry, and staying informed — to help protect our shared resources,” the city said. “Your cooperation and resilience truly made a difference.”
Outdoor water use is still restricted, though. Watering the lawn, landscape watering, and sprinkler systems must be postponed until water supplies are fully stabilized, the city said.
“This week has shown what we can accomplish when we come together and make every effort to protect our shared resources,” Denise Howell, city administrator said in a statement.
“From the businesses that closed, to the families that changed their routines, to the organizations that stepped in to help — every action mattered.”
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