Waterfowl hunters urged to take precautions on lower Ark following Pueblo sewage spill

Waterfowl hunters are urged to take precautions on the lower Ark and adjacent state wildlife areas this season following the Pueblo sewage spill in Aug. CPW Photo/Doug Skinner Oct. 30, 2026

PUEBLO, Colo. — With waterfowl hunting season underway in southeastern Colorado, Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds hunters and other outdoor recreationists to take precautions against exposure to potentially contaminated water along the Arkansas River and adjacent state wildlife areas following a sewage spill in Pueblo earlier this year.

The reminder follows an Aug. 26-27 spill that released approximately 4.2 million gallons of untreated sewage into the Arkansas River. Subsequent water quality testing by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment identified elevated levels of E. coli bacteria at multiple locations downstream.

While testing has shown improved water quality at some locations, elevated bacteria levels have persisted in other stretches of the river. Testing has also identified temporary increases in bacteria levels following rainfall, as rainfall washes residue from nearby areas into waterways, increasing bacteria levels. These fluctuations reinforce the importance of remaining aware of local water conditions and taking appropriate precautions. CDPHE has conducted extensive testing of the river. The most up-to-date sampling and test results are available online. 

Waterfowl hunting presents additional opportunities for exposure because hunters frequently enter shallow water, retrieve harvested birds, handle wet equipment and transport clothing and gear that may have contacted river water or mud.

"Raw sewage can carry pathogens such as E. coli, viruses and parasites," said Ashley Rust, Ph.D., CPW water quality specialist. "Out of an abundance of caution, we provide these advisories to the public."

CPW recommends that waterfowl hunters take the following precautions when hunting near potentially contaminated waters:

Avoid direct water contact: Stay out of waters subject to active contact advisories. Avoid exposing bare skin, particularly open cuts or wounds, to potentially contaminated water or mud.

Clean clothing and footwear: Remove wet or potentially contaminated clothing and footwear after hunting. Wash affected clothing separately with detergent and dry thoroughly. Clean boots and waders before storing or using them again.

Clean hunting equipment: Thoroughly clean decoys, retrieval equipment and other gear that may have contacted potentially contaminated water or mud. Keep dirty equipment separate from food, clean clothing and personal belongings.

Wash hands and exposed skin: Use soap and clean running water to thoroughly wash hands for at least 20 seconds after contact with potentially contaminated water, mud, hunting equipment or harvested birds, and before eating or preparing food. Scrub between fingers and beneath fingernails. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends soap and water over hand sanitizer because washing physically removes germs and contaminants that sanitizer may not eliminate. When soap and water are unavailable, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol until proper handwashing is possible.

Handle harvested waterfowl carefully: Wear disposable gloves when cleaning birds. Keep harvested game clean, cool and dry, and prevent potentially contaminated water or equipment from contacting meat.

Practice safe food preparation: Wash hands, knives, cutting boards and food preparation surfaces after handling raw game. Keep raw meat separate from other foods and cook game meat to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Leaving the field: Hunters should consider carrying clean water, soap and paper towels in their vehicles or hunting equipment to allow for proper handwashing before eating, handling food or leaving the field.

Retriever dogs: Hunters using dogs to retrieve waterfowl should plan to rinse their animals with clean water and consider efforts to prevent them from drinking potentially contaminated water. Dogs and other pets can be exposed to harmful bacteria through direct contact or by ingesting contaminated water.

“These additional precautions may require hunters to take a few extra steps before, during and after their time in the field, but they should complement, never distract from, the basic safety practices every hunter should follow,” said Mike Brown, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Pueblo area wildlife manager. “Safe firearm handling, knowing your target and what lies beyond it, wearing a life jacket when hunting from a boat, remaining aware of changing weather and water conditions, and carrying your hunting license are just as important today as ever. We want hunters to enjoy the season, protect themselves and return home safely.”

CPW's Sept. 2 water contact advisory identified 10 state wildlife areas and the Las Animas Fish Hatchery along the Arkansas River as potentially affected by the spill.

The wildlife areas identified in the original advisory were Melon Valley, Rocky Ford, Oxbow, Purgatoire River, Fort Lyon, North Gateway Ponds, Granada, Deadman, Midwestern Farms and Holly.

Water quality conditions have varied along the river since the spill. CPW lifted the sewage-related water contact advisory at John Martin Reservoir State Park on Sept. 4 after repeated testing indicated conditions met recreational water quality standards.

Hunters and other visitors should not assume that improved conditions at one location mean that water quality is safe throughout the river. They are encouraged to review the latest CDPHE water quality information and observe any posted advisories before entering affected areas.

For additional information, visit:
CDPHE — City of Pueblo wastewater spill and Arkansas River water quality
CPW — Handling and Eating Game Meat
CDC — About Handwashing
CPW — Hunter Education and Safety
CPW — Waterfowl Hunting
CPW — Original Arkansas River water contact advisory

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