11/02/2026
Public Service Announcement
Town of Mancos Emergency Update: Wastewater Treatment Plant
Late last night, historic floodwaters from the Mancos River unfortunately overtopped our wastewater treatment lagoons, causing water to overflow into and out of the ponds. Our earthen walls and berms remain structurally sound and did not break; the sheer volume of the river simply exceeded the height of the barriers despite our team's efforts at Cottonwood Park.
Our crews remain on the scene to manage the situation. Out of an abundance of caution and in compliance with safety protocols, we have already notified downstream partners - including the CDPHE, the Ute Tribe, and federal oversight agencies - to ensure a coordinated response.
What you need to know right now:
• Impact: We are working closely with environmental experts to track downstream impacts.
• Safety: Please avoid contact with the Mancos River water downstream of Cottonwood Park until further notice.
• Drinking water: This incident impacts the wastewater system, not the town's treated drinking water infrastructure, which is upstream.
We are fully committed to transparency and protecting our environment. We will share official updates here as new data becomes available. Thank you for your continued patience and support of our hard-working Mancos Staff, the Mancos Fire District, and heavy equipment operators from Ground Breaking LLC.
Montezuma County Colorado Mancos Marshals Office
