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• Water Battles in El Paso County Play Video

  May 23, 2013 11:51 AM

  Water, or the lack of it, has been a problem for years for residents living in the Cherokee Metropolitan District. It's a small enclave of homes and businesses on the eastern edge of Colorado Springs. Cherokee Metro has a new water source, but it's going to impact neighbors in... more »

• Chilly weather keeps water use low Play Video

  April 16, 2013 6:50 PM

  COLORADO SPRINGS - Snowy rooftops in April, if even just a trace, are a good sign when it comes to the drought. There may not be enough moisture to actually help irrigate the lawn, but the freezing cold temperatures have kept most of us from turning on the sprinklers. ... more »

• Forecast: North Platte water shortage deepens

  April 5, 2013 4:27 PM

  CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - A new snowmelt forecast predicts an even greater water shortage in the upper sections of the North Platte River and its tributaries in coming months. At this rate, priority administration of water rights that has been in effect for the Wyoming portion of the river system... more »

• Questions Arise Over City Water Sales During Drought Play Video

  March 28, 2013 3:45 PM

  Questions are being raised about selling off Colorado Springs City water in times of drought. A second year of extreme drought has left our reservoirs low, at less than 50% capacity. Water restrictions and higher rates for some customers are also going into effect. "We're looking at a... more »

• Pueblo County farmers worry about the drought

  January 23, 2013 6:55 PM

  With record warm temperatures in the area, it may feel nice outside, but no moisture just fuels the drought we're experiencing. That has some local farmers concerned. "It's our number one issue right now," said Shane Milberger, of Milberger Farms. The drought in Pueblo County, like most of... more »

• Celebrating 50 years of bringing water to southern Colorado

  August 18, 2012 2:33 PM

  The debate over distribution of water flowing from the Rocky Mountains is one that probably won't end anytime soon. Five decades ago this week President John Kennedy was in Pueblo to sign off on a new project for the water flowing down the Arkansas River. Today people are... more »

• Obama may act to stop infrastructure cyberattacks

  August 8, 2012 3:37 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - White House counterterrorism adviser John Brennan says the White House may take steps to get U.S. businesses to protect themselves from computer attacks if they are responsible for providing critical services like water or electricity. Brennan told the Council on Foreign Relations on Wednesday that President Barack... more »

• US intelligence sees poverty plummet by 2030

  July 29, 2012 12:30 PM

  ASPEN, Colo. (AP) - Poverty across the planet will drop sharply by 2030, with a rising middle class of some two billion people pushing for more rights and resources. The chief at the U.S. government's top intelligence analysis shop says if current economic and demographic trends continue, 1 billion people... more »

• Video of the Day: Water fall

  July 19, 2012 6:37 AM

  Are you heading to the pool with all this heat? Well these guys headed to a water slide to cool down. But one woman, couldn't quite made it to the top of the slide... Click here to see our Video of the Day. more »

• Families spend their holiday at Lake Pueblo

  July 4, 2012 6:42 PM

  Between the fire ban, the heat, and the holiday, most people Wednesday were looking for one thing. Relief! They found that on the water at Lake Pueblo. The entire area was packed with boats and jet skis, and the parking lot filled quickly. Most people say they don't mind the... more »

• Dogs in Pueblo know how to beat the heat Play Video

  June 9, 2012 7:25 PM

  Pueblo is hot, and everybody has their favorite way to cool off, like those of us who find pools extremely tempting. Several people jumped into them Saturday when the temps were up around 100. Maybe we should take advice from the dogs. Almost every dog at the bark... more »

• Water shortage in north Canon City is unusual Play Video

  June 4, 2012 7:55 PM

  There's a water crisis in north Canon City caused by a problem they've never experienced, but we found out the people living there have the power to keep the water flowing. It's something north Canon City hasn't seen before, and some people are worried they'll run out of water.... more »

• Pueblo Water Board takes cautious approach to summer supply

  March 30, 2012 6:26 PM

  The Pueblo Board of Water Works is carefully monitoring its water supply and making preparations for drought conditions this summer. The Water Board is concerned by the lack of rain last summer and the poor snow pack in the Colorado mountains. At this time Pueblo has more than three... more »

• Landscape symposium to teach water saving techniques

  March 19, 2012 2:44 PM

  Homeowners will get a chance to learn about landscaping that takes less water at a two day symposium at UCCS at the end of the month. The Peak to Prairie Landscape Symposium happens on March 30 and 31. Homeowners and industry professionals will learn the latest landscape design tips... more »

• Summer boating season begins Thursday

  March 12, 2012 6:18 PM

  With the impending arrival of summer, Lake Pueblo State Park will expand boat launch hours on Thursday, March 15. On that day, boat ramps will be open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Throughout the year, all boats must be inspected for aquatic nuisance species, most commonly freshwater... more »

• Tips for a healthy well

  March 12, 2012 3:02 PM

  Those who use well water should take some time to have their well water tested. The cost in El Paso County is $20. There are about 14,500 private wells in El Paso County that serve about 39,000 people. Residents with private wells in El Paso County may get... more »

• Video of the Day: Shower Cat

  March 5, 2012 6:54 AM

  If you hop in the shower this morning, you might not want to take it like this cat. Check out this kitty who's not afraid of water. Click here to see our Video of the Day. more »

• Aid group sends supplies to Mali refugees

  February 29, 2012 1:28 PM

  BAMAKO, Mali (AP) - An international medical aid group says it is sending medical and logistical supplies to Mauritania to help the tens of thousands of people who have fled fighting in neighboring Mali. Doctors Without Borders said Wednesday that 28,000 people are camped in the Mauritanian towns of Fassala... more »

• Four more bodies found from Costa Concordia

  February 22, 2012 8:33 AM

  ROME (AP) - Divers searching the capsized Costa Concordia have found what appears to be four more bodies on the cruise ship. The civil protection agency, which is monitoring the operation, said the bodies were found Wednesday but it will take some time before they are recovered. The Concordia struck... more »

• Could see big changes for Colorado water

  February 4, 2012 9:42 AM

  DENVER (AP) - Opponents of two proposed ballot initiatives on water say the measures could change the way Colorado has handled water rights for decades. Denver-area resident Phillip Doe has proposed amending the state constitution to highlight a clause that says streams are the property of the public - and... more »

• State Health has tackles 10 issues

  January 24, 2012 3:00 PM

  The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment today identified 10 health related areas that need progress in the next three to five years. Chris Urbina, executive director and chief medical officer for the department, said, "We selected these 10 Winnable Battles because they provide Colorado's greatest opportunities for... more »

• Water main break closes road

  December 3, 2011 7:40 AM

  E. Pikes Peak Avenue at and around Farragut is closed and will probably be closed through today to repair a water main break. The pipe burst around 4 this morning. more »

• Energy companies buying water for Colo. fracking

  November 23, 2011 12:57 PM

  DENVER (AP) - The push to extract natural gas along Colorado's Front Range depends on using another valuable natural resource water. The Denver Post reported Wednesday that oil and gas companies have purchased at least 500 million gallons of water this year for hydraulic fracturing or "fracking" along the... more »

• Courts put huge California water pact in limbo

  November 20, 2011 5:25 PM

  SAN DIEGO (AP) - A landmark accord that ended decades of acrimony over how Southern California gets its water is in jeopardy. A California appeals court is considering whether to overturn a 2003 pact that created the nation's largest farm-to-city water ransfer and set new rules for dividing the state's... more »

• Pressure problems keeping taps dry in Widefield Play Video

  November 4, 2011 4:11 PM

  The Widefield Water and Sanitation District is having trouble building up enough water pressure in its system to restore service to about 400 customers who have been without water since midnight. District Manager Steve Wilson says a damaged water main near Fontaine and Grinnell has been repaired, but high... more »

• Water service restored in Widefield

  November 4, 2011 1:40 PM

  Around 650 students at Watson Junior High School in Widefield had to be sent home Friday morning because of a water outage. Wayne Lovelis of the Widefield Water and Sanitation District says his crews were replacing a water main nearby when it cracked overnight. As a result, shortly after... more »

• Homeowner frustrated by flooding

  September 30, 2011 8:36 PM

  When it rains, things get expensive for Beverley Stephens. The Stratmoor Hills homeowner had at least two feet of water in her basement earlier this month when record rainfall hit the area. "The carpet got soaked, all of the furniture in here was soaked," Stephens said. The repair... more »

• Flash floods sweep across Colorado Springs

  September 15, 2011 12:48 AM

  A powerful rain storm plowed though Colorado Springs, making for one wet and dangerous evening. In just a matter of minutes, streets became slick as hail fell to the ground, and creeks began to quickly over flow. One of the areas hardest hit was a neighborhood on Date... more »

• Boone residents without water

  September 12, 2011 7:45 PM

  The small town of Boone, East of Pueblo, is working around the clock to get the water turned back on. Residents haven't had water for 3 days after a major water main break. City officials attempted to install an additional water pipe but it failed. Crews hope to have... more »

• Lee's flooding keeps evacuees out of their homes

  September 9, 2011 8:22 AM

  BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (AP) - Authorities in central New York say flood waters that inundated the city of Binghamton and surrounding communities have begun receding, but there's no indication yet when some of the 20,000 evacuees can return to their homes. Broome County Deputy Emergency Manager Raymond Serowik tells The... more »

• Meadow Mountain Water Supply told to improve plant

  September 1, 2011 4:52 PM

  DENVER (AP) - Colorado water quality officials have ordered Meadow Mountain Water Supply Co. to redesign its treatment plant to better handle higher levels of turbidity. State records show the nonprofit corporation in Allenspark serves 80 residents. An enforcement order from state officials says water in Meadow Mountain's system exceeded... more »

• Water main break on Westend Ave.

  September 1, 2011 8:07 AM

  Colorado Springs Utilities is working a water main break on Westend Ave. That's the southwest part of Colorado Springs. Right now, 27 customers are without water. They say it will take a few hours to get it fixed. more »

• Sediment collector reduces risk of creek flooding

  August 12, 2011 6:23 PM

  As the population grows in Colorado Springs, we use more water and that's had a major impact on Fountain Creek. Over the years, wastewater runoff has pushed a lot of sediment downstream and it's built up in Pueblo raising concerns of flooding. "The banks are eroding along the creek,"... more »

• Town of Aguilar on water rationing till Sunday

  August 11, 2011 5:45 PM

  Aguilar Mayor, Ellen Larson spoke with News First 5 and wanted to make sure that residents know to be mindful and not waste water for the next couple of days. Due to three major water main breaks , the local reservoir which supplies water to the town was emptied. According... more »

• Water main break in Security

  August 3, 2011 8:36 AM

  We want to let you know there is a water main break at Grinnell and Crawford in Security at this hour. Crews are working to fix that right now. That is in a residential area - so there aren't any major traffic problems to report at this time. more »

• Teen dies after being rescued from Lake Pueblo

  July 31, 2011 11:32 PM

  The Pueblo County Coroner says a 16 year old male from Pueblo died after being rescued from the Pueblo Reservoir. The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office says he was under water for more than an hour this afternoon at Hook Cove. He was pulled from the reservior earlier this... more »

• Seven tourists in Gulf waters after boat capsizes

  July 5, 2011 11:10 AM

  Seven tourists are still in the water after their boat capsized in the Gulf of California. They went into the water overnight when a storm upended their boat. Mexican searchers said 19 other passengers and 16 crew members were rescued and they held out hope the missing seven could... more »

• Task force to be formed for Flaming Gorge

  June 30, 2011 11:20 AM

  As Colorado grows, so does the need for more water to sustain the infrastructure for population growth. Stakeholders including many of Colorado's river basins have formerly agreed to the formation of a task force that will study issues related to potentially diverting water from the Flaming Gorge Reservoir in Wyoming... more »

• Water pours over dikes in Minot

  June 22, 2011 2:52 PM

  MINOT, N.D. (AP) - One woman who lives in Minot, North Dakota, says she's been able to move most of her belongings from her home at a trailer park to a friend's house, but that she'll be losing the rest. Officials have sounded the sirens, signaling that water from... more »

• Minot mayor: Water about to top dikes

  June 22, 2011 12:29 PM

  MINOT, N.D. (AP) - The mayor of the North Dakota city of Minot says it's time for residents to "do their last-minute thing and be prepared to move quickly." He told a TV station (KXMC) that water is about to start pouring over dikes protecting the city. Thousands... more »

• 10,000 to evacuate in Minot, North Dakota

  June 21, 2011 2:16 PM

  MINOT, N.D. (AP) - Officials say thousands of Minot residents must evacuate their homes before the Souris River overtops levees for the second time this year in the worst flooding the North Dakota city has seen in four decades. The river reached 1,555.4 feet above sea level in 1969.... more »

• Construction starts on massive 62-mile pipeline

  June 17, 2011 7:23 PM

  Construction is underway on a massive underground pipeline designed to meet future water needs in Southern Colorado. It's called the Southern Delivery System . The 62-mile pipeline will run from the Pueblo Dam to Colorado Springs, providing water for the Springs, Fountain, Security and Pueblo West. The estimated cost of... more »

• Construction starts on massive underground pipeline

  June 17, 2011 12:58 PM

  Construction has started on a billion dollar pipeline project in Southern Colorado. The Southern Delivery System will transfer water from the Pueblo Dam to Colorado Springs, Fountain, Security and Pueblo West. Tonight on News First 5 at 5 p.m. we'll talk about how long the project will last, jobs... more »

• Staying safe around the water

  June 15, 2011 7:50 PM

  Pueblo Fire Department is asking people to stay safe around the water. Anyone in the water must have a Coast Guard approved life jacket, all water devices must be improved. Do not go over any low-head dams; get out before, and re-enter the water downstream. You should not use... more »

• Colorado River users could face shortage in 2015

  June 9, 2011 5:44 PM

  BOULDER, Colo. (AP) - Deep snow in parts of the West has given states in the Colorado River basin some relief from drought, but water managers say there's still work to keep water flowing from faucets in the future. U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Mike Connor says that before... more »

• As water inches closer, an agonizing wait in La.

  May 21, 2011 1:39 PM

  BUTTE LAROSE, La. (AP) - The final wave of holdouts has mostly packed up and left Butte LaRose as water from the swollen Atchafalaya River inches toward their homes. Painted signs outside their now-abandoned homes illustrate both their frustration and hope. One reads: "Nothing left worth stealing." Another... more »

• Flooding shouldn't get any worse in Memphis

  May 10, 2011 2:06 PM

  MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - The Mississippi River has hit its high point in Memphis, Tenn., so things shouldn't get any worse. But there's still quite a mess to clean up. The National Weather Service says the river crested early this morning at just under 48 feet, falling short of... more »

• EPA sues Wyoming trailer park owner over drinking water

  May 8, 2011 2:51 PM

  ALCOVA, Wyo. (AP) - The Environmental Protection Agency is suing and seeking fines against the owner of two Wyoming trailer parks over allegations that he's not conducting the proper required tests on the properties' drinking water. The lawsuit against Colorado resident Roy Stricklin alleges that the EPA has been... more »

• Southern Delivery System moves forward

  May 7, 2011 11:15 PM

  COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) - Federal officials have signed final contracts on the Southern Delivery System water project, meaning construction on a 62-mile pipeline that would move water from Pueblo Reservoir to Colorado Springs can move forward. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation manages the reservoir. Bureau spokeswoman Kara Lamb says... more »

• Waterspout off Hawaii coast

  May 3, 2011 12:00 PM

  A waterspout was seen off the coast of Hawaii yesterday. Like a tornado, except over water, a waterspout actually pulls water into the sky. This happened near the Honolulu International Airport. more »

• Huge snowfall means no water worries in northern Colorado

  May 2, 2011 7:21 PM

  GREELEY, Colo. (AP) - Officials are saying Colorado's snowpack has reached unbelievable levels in the northern mountains. The Greeley Tribune reports that the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service measured snowpack in Poudre Canyon that reached more than 160 inches, or almost 13.5 feet, at one point.... more »

• Water main break at Dublin & Academy

  May 2, 2011 1:35 PM

  A major water main break has buckled pavement on Dublin Blvd. just west of N. Academy. Eastbound Dublin is down to one lane surrounding the break. All lanes of Academy are open. Water is flowing down Dublin to Vincent Dr. Repair crews have yet to arrive. more »

• Old pipe to blame for Manitou main break

  May 1, 2011 10:46 PM

  Colorado Springs Utilities has said an old pipe is to blame for the mater main break this morning in Manitou Springs. Around 125,000 gallons of water leaked out on to Manitou Avenue around 3 this morning. WOrk on the street could continue well into Monday and possibly Tuesday. more »

• Crews still working on main break in Manitou

  May 1, 2011 8:30 PM

  Crews from Colorado Springs Utilities are still working on a water main break that spilled about 125,000 gallons of water in Manitou Springs. It happened around 3 this morning when a raw water pipe burst somewhere near the intersection of Manitou Avenue and Navajo Avenue. Crews expect a portion of... more »

• W. Colo. water district unhappy with proposed deal

  April 30, 2011 1:51 PM

  GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (AP) - One western Colorado water district isn't on board yet with a proposed deal between Denver Water and Western Slope water interests on how to share water. The Daily Sentinel reports the Ute Water Conservancy District says it likely wouldn't approve the agreement as it... more »

• On the edge of Tornado Alley

  April 28, 2011 11:30 PM

  Watching images of destruction from tornadoes in the Southeast United States can make you wonder; could a major tornado happen here? The damage they can do is devastating. Every year tornadoes pop up in Colorado. "We're right on the edge of Tornado Alley," says News First 5 Meteorologist... more »

• Historic water agreement touted between Denver and Western Slope interests

  April 28, 2011 3:20 PM

  TABERNASH, Colo. (AP) - Colorado water managers say they've reached a historic agreement on the contentious question of how to supply water to the Denver area while accommodating the needs of western Colorado. The Colorado River Cooperative was unveiled Thursday in Tabernash. It calls for Denver Water to pay... more »

• Interior Department: Western rivers getting smaller

  April 25, 2011 4:57 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - A new government report says already scarce water supplies in the Western United States are likely to dwindle further as a result of climate change, exacerbating problems for millions of water users in the West. The Interior Department report says annual flows in three prominent river... more »

• Springs water supply looks good right now

  March 27, 2011 8:52 PM

  Even though the ground was a little wet and some areas saw a little bit of snow on Sunday, much of southern Colorado remains under severe drought conditions. So what does that mean for possible watering restrictions in the coming months? "It's too early to tell right now," says... more »

• One lane of northbound Union now open after water main break

  March 25, 2011 12:17 PM

  One lane of northbound Union is back open between Austin Bluffs and Academy after a water main break this morning. Drivers are are still asked to avoid the area if possible. Passage through the repair area will be very slow. more »

• Report predicts positive impact from Southern Delivery System

  March 22, 2011 6:26 PM

  A report on construction of the Southern Delivery System says the pipeline will contribute to the creation of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in earnings for the population. Those are among the findings of a new independent economic development report commissioned by the Center for Regional Advancement, an... more »

• Reports of strange substance in the water in the Gulf of Mexico

  March 20, 2011 6:10 PM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The U.S. Coast Guard says there's some sort of substance in the water in the Gulf of Mexico, after reports of a sheen on the water off the coast of Louisiana. Officials are collecting samples. Officials say dredging has been going on not far away at... more »

• Trace findings of radiation turns up in some food and water

  March 19, 2011 6:36 PM

  FUKUSHIMA, Japan (AP) - There's word that radiation is turning up in some food and water in Japan. The Tokyo government says radiation levels in spinach and milk from farms near the facility were found to exceed safety limits, and higher-than-recommended amounts of radioactive iodine showed up in drinking water... more »

• Colorado now has above average snowpack

  March 3, 2011 2:44 PM

  DENVER (AP) - February's snowstorms helped boost snowpack across the state as the trend of above-average conditions continued. The Natural Resources Conservation Service said the snowpack statewide on Tuesday was 115 percent of average. February's storms ended up being the most significant of the year. This year's snowpack totals... more »

• Update: Mother, twins escape house fire

  February 18, 2011 6:27 PM

  A mother and her 4-year-old twins survived an intense house fire in Pueblo County this morning. Firefighters say they escaped through a window before the home was destroyed. "We were able to see visible smoke and actually fire from western Pueblo when we responded initially," said Master Deputy Dylan... more »

• More cold weather coming, but what about last week?

  February 7, 2011 10:02 PM

  Southern Colorado is bracing for sub-zero temperatures again, but many people are still trying to deal with last week's arctic blast. Jeremiah Erickson is back in his apartment on Briargate Parkway and Lexington Drive, have five days of no heat or water. Workers have been in and out of... more »

• Busted water pipes causing big problems

  February 2, 2011 11:48 PM

  As the weather cools down, things are heating up for Colorado Springs Fire. "Because of the severe cold weather, we've had about 60 breaks in fire sprinklers," explains Captain Ray Johnson with Colorado Springs Fire. Frozen and busted pipes are causing sprinkler systems to break all over the... more »

• Chromium VI not found in Pueblo's water

  February 2, 2011 8:49 AM

  Testing of Pueblo's water supply shows no presence of chromium VI or hexavalent chromium. Water samples were sent to MWH Labs, a laboratory that is equipped to test for this specific chemical and all samples showed a result of "Non-Detected" for dissolved hexavalent chromium. The Board of Water... more »

• Gov. Hickenlooper wants statewide water plan in 5 years

  January 30, 2011 1:19 PM

  GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. (AP) - Gov. John Hickenlooper says his goal is to have a long-term statewide water plan within five years. The Colorado Water Conservation Board projects water shortages by 2050 as the state grows. In December, the state's Interbasin Compact Committee issued a draft plan for how... more »

• Study: Colorado water demands may dry up ag land

  January 28, 2011 7:36 AM

  DENVER (AP)-Increasing water demands could dry up more than a half million acres of agricultural land in Colorado over the next several years. That's one of the findings of a new state report on the outlook for Colorado's water supplies to 2050. The report by the Colorado Water Conservation... more »

• Water main break near Jetwing

  January 26, 2011 7:30 PM

  A water main problem on Eddington Way shut down traffic this afternoon. Houses in the 2000 block of Eddington Way still had water, but the street was shut down. more »

• Report: Colorado water use will likely double by 2050

  January 24, 2011 8:50 AM

  GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (AP)-- A statewide report on water use in Colorado estimates water use will likely double by 2050 as more people move into the state, and the oil shale industry develops on the Western Slope. The Daily Sentinel (Grand Junction) reported that a study commissioned by the... more »