(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.”
