The effects of two recent fires...the Hewlett Gulch and High Park Fire... Are threatening the quality of water in northern colorado.
Water experts are saying it could be 10 years until the poudre river is purified from debris. T
The Poudre River is used by everyone in Northen Colorado.
Not only is it one of the main sources for drinking water, but it is also a place for summer fun.
But officials are questioning the safety and quality of the water.
The Poudre River is one of Greeley's main water sources. But because of the recent fires....they have switched to the Big Thompson and Seaman Reservoir.
We went to the Poudre River and there is ash and debris everywhere. If you look at the bottom of the river, it is absolute black mud.
The City of Greeley got a $500k grant to place straw in the reservoir so that it can block all the mud, ash, and other fire debris from seeping into the water.
These helicopter drops started earlier this week and the hope is that this speeds up the process of purification.
But as Jon Monson, from the City of Greeley Water and Sewage said..."it could be a decade before the water is clean."
At this point, officials are saying activities like swimming, fishing, and rafting should be done at your own risk and with caution. But they're certainly not restricting people from going down the river.
