TOWN SEWER EMERGENCY, PUBLIC HEALTH WARNING: November 1, 2026

Extreme flooding is expected Sunday Night and into Monday Morning. Current estimates project a peak river height of 22 feet.

The peak during the recent October 23 flooding was 15.5 feet.

Due to last week’s flooding, the Town’s sanitation system is already running at reduced capacity. The upcoming storm is expected to have significant impacts to the sanitation system and may severely damage system capabilities. Please be advised that sanitary sewer service may be reduced or unavailable during or following the upcoming storm. Please know that your Sanitation team is working hard to maintain service during this catastrophic event.

Additionally, please take proactive steps to protect yourself and home from sewer back ups and damage by:

• Removing clean out caps to reduce pressure.
• Using sandbags or similar items, to direct all floodwater flow away from open clean outs.
• Keeping toilet lids closed.

Also, be aware that floodwaters may remove manhole covers and leave open manholes. As always, please heed all official warnings and evacuation notices.

RAW SEWAGE WARNING

Also, the Town has issued an emergency public health warning.

November 1, 2026 | 11:45 AM MST

The Town of Pagosa Springs is notifying residents and visitors that raw sewage is being discharged into the San Juan River near the First Street Bridge amid the ongoing flood emergency.

Residents are urged to avoid all contact with river water, including in downstream areas, due to potential contamination.

• For public health and safety, residents and visitors should take the following precautions:

  Stay out of the San Juan River and floodwaters. Avoid swimming, wading, fishing, and all other river activities.

• Keep children and pets away from the water. Do not allow pets to drink from or enter the river.
• Avoid contact with potentially contaminated floodwaters, including water that may have entered streets, yards, or other low-lying areas.

The Town continues to monitor conditions and coordinate with emergency response partners as flooding impacts local infrastructure.

Mandatory evacuation orders remain in effect for designated areas. Residents should continue following all evacuation instructions and should not enter restricted or flooded areas.

Additional information will be shared as it becomes available.

For current flood emergency information, evacuation resources, and public safety updates, visit:

https://www.pagosasprings.co.gov/349/October-2026-Flood-Recovery