Floods, Aftermath Create Water Problems For Many Communities
FIRESTONE, Colo. (CBS4) - The floods and the aftermath have created another problem for many communities -- just how safe is the water supply?
Boil water advisories are in place for the following areas: Lyons, Firestone, the Allenspark area, Loveland and the Left Hand Water District. One for Frederick was lifted Monday afternoon.
What looks like a beautiful waterfall in Firestone is actually the downfall of a bridge along Highway 119. There's water everywhere, but residents have to be very careful about what water they drink.
It looks just fine, but they're not taking any chances with the tap water in Firestone.
"I'm boiling my water to drink and to cook with," Firestone resident Julie Bailey said.
Residents like Bailey are being told to boil their drinking water or any water they might ingest.
Firestone Mayor Chad Auer said the boil order is just a precaution because they've seen the chlorine level dropping.
"It could expose people to bacteria and viruses and things that aren't usually in domestic-use water," Auer said.
Blame the state rain. Heavy rain flooded the river and the current washed away the roads and snapped water pipes underneath.
"We have three water lines coming into town, two of the three were compromised," Auer said.
Bailey can handle the water hassle, but the rain ruined much of her Christmas ornament collection. She's sentimental, but also sees the bright side.
"It'll be okay though, because everybody else is okay," Bailey said. "As long as you're still alive, that's what counts."
Crews have been working all hours to repair the water lines. They hope to have them repaired by the weekend, but there are plenty more repairs ahead.
Colorado Floods: How To Help
The recent floods are impacting families and communities throughout Colorado, so CBS4 has compiled a list of ways you can support the local communities impacted by the floods.
