The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment lifted its water contact advisory for John Martin Reservoir near Hasty after water quality sampling confirmed E. coli concentrations have returned to levels consistent with state recreational standards.

The advisory had been issued following a 4.2-million-gallon untreated sewage spill in Pueblo that traveled downstream along the Arkansas River corridor. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and local public health partners coordinated sampling efforts leading to the decision.

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"Our priority throughout this event has been to protect public health through rigorous science and rapid, transparent communication," said Nicole Rowan, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Water Quality Control Division director. "Thanks to coordinated sampling efforts with Colorado Parks and Wildlife and local partners, we have verified that E. coli levels at John Martin Reservoir are back within standard thresholds, allowing us to restore full recreational access."

"Multiple safe readings over several days gives us confidence to lift the sewage-related advisory," said Dan Kirmer, John Martin Reservoir State Park manager. "Testing will continue through the weekend and in the days ahead, and we will keep visitors informed."

The water contact advisory remains in place for the Arkansas River from where Fountain Creek meets the Arkansas through La Junta, as E. coli results in those locations remain elevated. Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and Colorado Parks and Wildlife water resources staff will continue monitoring along the Arkansas River basin.

For updated testing results and park conditions, visit cdphe.colorado.gov/water-quality and the John Martin Reservoir State Park webpage at cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/john-martin-reservoir-state-park.