T’Naus Nieto
The Chronicle-News

On August 29, The Huerfano County Government announced a boil order after its employees identified issues related to the Gardner wells which, with the loss in pressure in the distribution system, could have allowed disease-causing organisms to enter the water system.

Huerfano County administrator, Carl Young, the told The Chronicle-News that water issue affected people within the Gardner Public Improvement District. He said, “We’re still trouble-shooting. We think we’re close to getting it resolved.”

The HCG stated in its announcement, “While no contamination has been detected, the loss of pressure in the distribution system may have allowed disease-causing organisms to enter the water system. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches. The symptoms above are not caused only by organisms in drinking water.”

When the HCG announced the boil order to take effect, they emphasized the importance of boiling water before using it. “Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water,” they said. “When service is restored, do not drink the water without boiling it first. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for three minutes, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water.”

The county government also warned people of the risks of boiling too long, or an ‘extensive period’ stressing, “more is not better” and that people should only use boiled or bottled water for drinking, ice, brushing teeth, dishes, food and more.

According to the HCG, The Gardner Road and Bridge distributed a limited amount of drinking water per family until 4 p.m. that evening, expressing that they were seeking more available resources.