Colorado Parks and Wildlife opens public showers for Walsenburg amid water crisis

Residents under boil advisory after major water main break disrupts service

Mar. 15, 2026 at 9:20pm

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The Colorado city of Walsenburg is still under a disaster declaration and boil advisory two days after a major water main break. On Sunday, Colorado Parks and Wildlife announced it will be opening up public showers at Lathrop State Park to help residents affected by the water crisis.

Why it matters

The water main break has left Walsenburg residents without reliable access to clean water for drinking, cooking, and bathing. Opening up public showers at the state park provides a critical resource for the community during this emergency situation.

The details

City crews have been working to locate and repair the broken water main since it occurred on Friday morning, but an estimated time for service restoration has not yet been determined. Residents have been under a boil water advisory since the break caused a loss of pressure in the water system. Huerfano County officials have been distributing drinking water and hand sanitizer, and providing a non-potable water truck for toilet flushing.

  • The water main broke around 2 a.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026.
  • The boil water advisory for Walsenburg residents has been in effect since the water main break on Friday.
  • On Sunday, March 15, 2026, Colorado Parks and Wildlife announced the opening of public showers at Lathrop State Park.
  • Shower reservations at Lathrop State Park are available through Monday, March 16, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The players

Colorado Parks and Wildlife

The state agency responsible for managing Colorado's parks and wildlife resources.

Walsenburg

A city in southern Colorado that is currently under a disaster declaration and boil water advisory due to a major water main break.

Huerfano County

The county where Walsenburg is located, which has been assisting with the distribution of drinking water and other resources to residents affected by the water crisis.

Daryl Seder

The Park Manager at Lathrop State Park, who announced the opening of public showers to the Walsenburg community.

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What they’re saying

“These are our friends and neighbors, and this is a small way we can help the community recover.”

— Daryl Seder, Park Manager, Lathrop State Park

What’s next

Walsenburg residents must call (719) 738-3000, ext. 512, to reserve a 30-minute time slot to use the public showers at Lathrop State Park on Monday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The takeaway

Colorado Parks and Wildlife's decision to open public showers at Lathrop State Park demonstrates the importance of government agencies and community organizations coming together to support residents during emergency situations like this water crisis in Walsenburg.