Keeping Our Farmers and Communities Informed: What We Know About the Arkansas River Wastewater Release
According to current information, approximately 4 million gallons of untreated wastewater from the City of Pueblo’s wastewater treatment facility was released into the Arkansas River on the east side of Pueblo between August 26 and 27, 2026.
This incident has raised understandable concerns about the spill’s effects on downstream irrigated agriculture and food safety. The Lower Arkansas Valley Water Conservancy District wants to make sure the public has accurate information about our farmers and their commitment to producing safe, high-quality food.
Fortunately, this year, the vast majority of fresh produce grown downstream of the spill has relied on groundwater, rather than surface water from the Arkansas River, to irrigate their crops because of drought conditions.
Farms under the Bessemer Ditch, where much of the fresh produce in our Valley is grown, are not affected by the spill. The Bessemer Ditch diverts water directly from Pueblo Reservoir, upstream of the spill location.
For farmers who rely on surface water from the Arkansas River, the spill presents a challenge. The Lower Ark District is meeting regularly with agency partners, including the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA), to receive updates, share information, understand potential impacts to agriculture, and monitor the long-term implications of the spill.
CDA is also working with Colorado State University to assemble a team of water quality and crop scientists to help answer questions and provide guidance to Lower Arkansas Valley producers.
We are committed to working with our partner agencies to ensure growers and the public receive accurate, timely information as more is learned.
As we head into the last few weeks of farm market season, we encourage everyone to support our local farmers and enjoy the many varieties of delicious produce grown right here in the Arkansas Valley. The Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival, September 18–20, is a great opportunity to do just that.
