Rocky Ford Public Works Department

Rocky Ford Public Works Department Your Public Works Department

09/04/2026

Public Notice

Rocky Ford Drinking Water Update

The City of Rocky Ford is aware of the significant untreated-sewage release into the Arkansas River near Pueblo and the public-health advisories concerning direct contact with river water downstream.

The state advisory includes the Rocky Ford area, and residents should continue to follow all guidance to avoid contact with the Arkansas River until officials lift the advisory.

My office has received numerous calls from concerned citizens, and I felt it was important to explain how Rocky Ford’s municipal drinking-water supply differs from water taken directly from the river.

Rocky Ford does not simply pump drinking water straight from the Arkansas River. Our municipal supply is produced from groundwater through alluvial wells. These wells draw water from the underground sands, gravels, and other natural materials within the Arkansas River valley aquifer.

As water moves through the ground, the surrounding earth acts as a natural filtration system. Layers of soil, sand, and gravel help remove and reduce suspended material and many contaminants before groundwater reaches the well system.

This subsurface movement is fundamentally different from using untreated surface water directly from the river. While groundwater protection is an important responsibility and natural filtration is not a substitute for proper utility treatment and monitoring, the alluvial aquifer provides an additional protective barrier between the river and our drinking-water wells.

Out of an abundance of caution, the City has performed voluntary water testing before and after treatment to verify that our drinking-water system has not been affected. The results confirm that Rocky Ford’s water remains safe and in compliance with strict, state-mandated drinking-water requirements.

We will continue enhanced weekly testing and monitoring so that all residents can have peace of mind about the quality of their municipal water. Protecting the health and safety of our citizens remains our highest priority.

For the latest information on river-contact advisories, residents should continue to follow notices from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Pueblo County health officials, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

The spill involved approximately 4.25 million gallons of untreated sewage, and public agencies have advised people and animals to avoid contact with the affected reach of the Arkansas River.

Rick Long
Public Works Director

09/03/2026

💧 WATER QUALITY UPDATE — CITY OF ROCKY FORD

Due to the recent sanitary sewer overflow in Pueblo and the public concerns that have understandably followed, the City of Rocky Ford took an additional precautionary step to verify the safety of our drinking water.

We voluntarily conducted E. coli testing on all three of our water wells prior to treatment, as well as testing at our dedicated post-treatment entry point, which represents the water entering our distribution system and being delivered to our customers.

I am happy to announce that all samples tested by the Pueblo County Health Department came back NEGATIVE for E. coli.

While this testing was performed voluntarily as an additional precaution, we believe it is important to be proactive and provide our citizens with factual information and reassurance.

Our Public Works Department is committed to being diligent in protecting the quality and safety of the water we provide to our customers. We take your trust seriously, and providing the best water possible is one of our highest priorities.

We will be conducting another round of testing next week and will continue to keep our valued citizens informed as results become available.

Your water. Your safety. Our responsibility.

Thank you for your continued trust in the City of Rocky Ford Public Works Department.

08/20/2026

🚨 MAIN STREET STREET SWEEPING REMINDER 🚨

A reminder to residents and businesses along S. Main Street: the City of La Junta is on its way to sweep Main Street.

Rocky Ford Public Works will also be out shortly blowing out areas and preparing the street for sweeping.

If possible, please move your vehicles off Main Street so we can get the street as clean as possible.

We greatly appreciate your cooperation and assistance as we work to get Main Street cleaned up and ready for the parade tomorrow.

We hope everyone enjoys the fair this year and we appreciate all who have worked so hard to bring this event to our city. Stay safe and have fun!

Thank you, Rocky Ford!
Your Public Works Crew

08/18/2026

🧹 MAIN STREET STREET SWEEPING – THURSDAY, AUGUST 20

The City of La Junta has graciously agreed to come help us sweep Main Street this Thursday in preparation for Friday’s parade.

Please do not park on Main Street between 7:00 AM and 2:00 PM on Thursday, August 20, if possible.

We greatly appreciate everyone’s cooperation and patience as we work to get Main Street cleaned up and looking its best for the parade! 🇺🇸

08/07/2026

Director of Public Works – City of Rocky Ford, Colorado
August 2026

As we move through August and prepare for the start of school and the Arkansas Valley Fair, we are also deep into planning for our 2027 budgets. It’s important to speak plainly about the challenges facing Rocky Ford’s Public Works Department and the work ahead. Every day, I’m inspired by our residents, producers, local leaders, volunteers, and the dedicated men and women of our Public Works team. Rural communities rely on each other, and that cooperation keeps Rocky Ford moving forward.

Our 2025 Public Works Recap Report showed real progress, especially in the engineering phase of replacing our aged collection (sewer) system, but it also made clear that much more work lies ahead. Many parts of our distribution (water) system have exceeded their intended service life. We continue to see recurring leaks, failing valves, pressure inconsistencies, and infrastructure that no longer meets modern standards. Addressing these issues is essential to Rocky Ford’s future stability.

Last year, we completed a full prioritization plan and identified major defects in how we transport and deliver water. Leaks, theft, and unbilled usage account for a 62% loss of produced water. That cannot continue. We must move forward with the recommendations presented in the 2025 Prioritization Plan, and we appreciate the seated Council’s attention as we work together to take the next steps.

We are also working on compliance with the Lead and Copper Rule Revision (LCRR). These updated EPA rules apply to every water system in the country, including ours.

What the LCRR means for Rocky Ford:
• Identify every water service line—city and customer side
• Build a complete inventory (lead, non‑lead, or unknown)
• Maintain safe drinking water that meets all standards
• Uncover issues like old galvanized lines, failing valves, and pressure inconsistencies
• Support our long‑term plan to modernize the distribution system

Why this matters:
The LCRR does not mean Rocky Ford has a lead problem. It means all communities must improve transparency, update records, and plan for future upgrades. For us, it accelerates work we already know must be done.

We will continue sharing updates as we complete the inventory and move into the next phase of improvements.

Once this work is complete, we will present our findings to the seated City Council. Their collaboration and guidance will be vital as we move forward. Rebuilding aging infrastructure requires planning, funding, and community support, and we are committed to approaching this responsibly as we shape the 2027 budget.

We also know there is more to do—streets to pave, potholes to fill, weeds to cut. These are real needs our residents feel every day, and they remain priorities as we balance resources, staffing, and long‑term planning.

I want to thank my crew. This year has brought many challenges, and they faced every one head‑on without complaint. They are the backbone of this city. Their dedication and willingness to respond at all hours make them true first responders. Rocky Ford is stronger because of them.

I also want to recognize Jannette Myers for organizing the first annual FHSECO Tiny Town Trash Bash.
August 15th – Rocky Ford Municipal Building, Railroad Avenue
Volunteers needed. For more information, call 719‑771‑3663.
Community‑driven efforts like this make a real difference and show the pride our residents have in keeping Rocky Ford clean and welcoming.

Success in rural communities depends on strong partnerships—between leadership, staff, engineers, and the residents we serve. We remain committed to strengthening those relationships and investing in a future where Rocky Ford’s essential services remain dependable and resilient.

Our thoughts remain with communities across Colorado affected by recent fires and other disasters. We stand with those facing loss and uncertainty, and we thank the first responders whose courage protects us all.

Together, we will continue working toward a safer, stronger, and more resilient Rocky Ford.

Rick Long
Public Works Director

Service has been restored on Sycamore Ave.
08/06/2026

Service has been restored on Sycamore Ave.

08/06/2026

We have another water main break on the 700 block of Sycamore Ave. The water crew has been notified and emergency locates are being called.

Please avoid the area if at all possible.

Thank you and we will have service restored ASAP.

08/01/2026

ADULT COED VOLLEYBALL: Registration is open for Adult Coed Volleyball. Offering two leagues: Wednesday Night Competitive and Thursday Night Recreation. $140 per team/per league. Registration deadline is August 27th, 2026. League play will start the first week in September. All team fees MUST be paid prior to first game. Questions, call/text 719-652-2862 or send us a message.

08/01/2026

Located near JR's Country Store. If you know the owner, please give us a call! 719-254-3344

07/31/2026

WE NEED YOUR HELP, ROCKY FORD!

The Public Works Department has been receiving a high number of calls recently regarding overgrown weeds, brush, and debris on properties throughout town.

We are currently short-staffed and need your help to keep our community clean and safe.

WHAT DOES THE ORDINANCE REQUIRE?
Under the Rocky Ford Municipal Code (Chapter 7, Article 5), every property owner, occupant, or tenant is responsible for:
> Removing all weeds, brush, and rubbish from your property
> Maintaining the sidewalk area in front of your property
> Maintaining the alley behind your property
> Keeping your property free of weeds and debris year-round

WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Overgrown weeds and accumulated debris can:
• Create fire hazards
• Harbor pests and rodents
• Obstruct sidewalks and alleys
• Lower property values in the neighborhood

WHAT HAPPENS IF IT ISN'T TAKEN CARE OF?
If weeds and rubbish are not removed after notice, the City may remove them at the property owner's expense — including labor, equipment, administrative fees, and a 5% inspection fee.

These costs can become a lien on the property and, if unpaid, may be collected through property taxes with a 10% penalty. Violations may also carry fines of up to $1,000 per day.

We do not want to go this route — we would rather work together!

NEED HELP? WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!
If you are unable to maintain your property due to age, a health condition, a disability, or any other reason, please reach out to us. We would much rather help you find a solution than issue a notice.

Call the Utility Office at 719-254-7414

Thank you for your cooperation and for everything you do to keep Rocky Ford a community we can all be proud of.

Together we can keep our city clean, safe, and beautiful!

Address

203 South Main Street
Rocky Ford, CO
81067

Telephone

+17194692666

Website

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