The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued a health advisory and is advising residents to avoid contact with rivers and streams after massive flooding followed heavy rains this week. Rivers and streams may be contaminated with partially treated sewage and other wastewater because of power failures and damage to wastewater treatment systems.
Keep out of rivers and streams in northeastern Colorado under further notice. The affected counties include Adams, Boulder, Broomfield, Larimer, Morgan, Logan, Sedgwick and Weld.
Don’t let children or pets play in the water, or to play with toys that have been in contact with the water. Wash hands frequently with soap and clean warm water. If you have been in contact with the water and experience diarrhea or vomiting, see a health care provider for advice about tetanus and/or diphtheria vaccinations.
In addition, the Left hand Water District and the Town of Lyons have issued boil water advisories. Left Hand Water District has experienced several drinking water line breaks, so bacteria, viruses, and parasites may have entered the system, which can cause vomiting, nausea, cramps, and headaches. The District serves the unincorporated areas from the Foothills Highway and I-25, between Longmont and Boulder/Erie. Bring water to a boil, let it boil for 3 minutes, and let it cool before using. You can also use bottled water.
In the Town of Lyons, no contamination has been detected, but a boil water advisory has been issued as a precaution. If you have been using the water in the Left Hand Water District or the Town of Lyons and have experienced gastrointestinal symptoms, see your health care provider.
