Updaate, Monday, Jan. 12:
Utility crews have been working since Thursday afternoon to address the issue at Pump Station #1, where a submersible pump guide rail system became disconnected, halting the pump's operation.
We are pleased to announce that the bypass pump has been installed and is pumping on an autonomous float control system. A full assessment of the damage to the disconnected pumps is underway to help determine the necessary repairs. Until these repairs can be made, we ask for your assistance to limit what you send into the sanitary system.
For residents within the Pagosa Springs Sanitation General Improvement District (PSSGID) area (generally east of Piedra Road and including the downtown area), please continue to follow these guidelines:
Continue to flush solid waste and minimize flushing liquid waste.
Take shorter showers and baths.
Minimize using the sink, washing machine, and dishwasher.
Thank you for continuing to do your part to protect our wastewater system. We will provide another update when we have more information.
Update, Friday, Jan. 9:
Utility crews worked overnight to manually transfer waste from Pump Station #1 to Pump Station #2 to prevent an overflow. The emergency bypass pump has arrived, and crews have begun the installation process. While crews continue to assess the damage and make repairs, please minimize your use of the wastewater system.
Thursday, Jan. 8: The Pagosa Springs Sanitation General Improvement District (PSSGID) wastewater system is experiencing a critical situation.
The submersible pump guide rail system at Pump Station #1 has become disconnected and is currently out of operation. This pump failure has the potential of causing liquid waste to overflow the well. Staff is working to obtain an emergency bypass pump to drain the well and reconnect the separated pump.
How you can help
To minimize use of the wastewater system, please limit the amount of water going down the drain in all forms:
Only flush solid waste and minimize flushing liquid waste.
Take shorter showers and baths.
Avoid using the sink, washing machine and dishwasher.
We urgently need support from residents within the PSSGID for the next 48 hours to minimize stress on the wastewater system until repairs can be made. The PSSGID is actively working to reconnect the pump as quickly as possible. We’ll keep you updated as soon as we have more information. Thank you for doing your part to protect our system and prevent further disruptions.
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