Blue River Turns Orange In Breckenridge
SUMMIT COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) - Emergency crews say they responded to the Blue River in Breckenridge on Saturday afternoon after receiving reports of discoloration in the water. They say the rust-colored water came from a release point near Boreas Pass Road.
Officials with the Red, White and Blue Fire Protection District say the release point has caused "similar releases during spring run-offs."
The Summit Daily reports a mine on private property near Boreas Pass is the release point.
After water samples were taken, investigators determined there is no threat to the public.
County health officials say, however, it's best people and pets stay away from the water, and untreated water should never be consumed.
"Given the rainfall that occurred last night, it is not surprising that we are seeing this type of activity today. We realize the optics of the run-off are in stark contrast to what folks are normally used to seeing in the Blue River, but we are confident in the assessment and assurance of the public's welfare in this particular situation," said Drew Hoehn, Battalion Chief and incident commander for Red, White & Blue Fire, on Saturday.
Authorities are still investigating.
The Blue River serves as one of the primary sources for the Dillon Reservoir. Hundreds of thousands of people along the Front Range rely on water from Dillon Reservoir.
The discoloration had subsided throughout the weekend.