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The Southern Ute Indian Tribe Reminds Community Members That Residential Wells and Cisterns May Have Been Impacted by Recent Flooding

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Recent flooding may have affected private wells and cisterns throughout the area. Floodwater can introduce contaminants that may make the water unsafe to drink. Boiling water will not remove all contaminants that may be present after a flood.The Southern Ute Indian Tribe Construction Services Division and Water Quality and Remediation Division encourage residents with private systems that have been impacted by floodwaters to use bottled water or another safe source of drinking water until the equipment can be evaluated and tested. Please note that Tribal staff are prioritizing assistance for residents whose drinking water systems have been directly impacted by flooding. Turnaround times may vary. Residents are encouraged to shock their system prior to bacteria testing if possible. For questions regarding wells, cisterns, pumphouses, or septic systems affected by flooding, please contact:Gavin Martinez, Housing Department Director Phone: (970) 563-2723 Email: gmartinez@southernute-nsn.govDanny Abeyta, Construction Services Division Head Phone: (970) 553-9268 Email: dabeyta@southernute-nsn.govFor questions regarding water quality testing, please contact:James Evangelisti – Water Quality Scientist II Phone: (970) 563-2222 Email: jevangelisti@southernute-nsn.govKatie Cranfill – Water Quality Program ManagerPhone: (970) 563-2805 Email: kcranfill@southernute-nsn.gov

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Administration Community Health latest-news Tribal Members Uncategorized Veterans

Chairman Sage declares Proclamation of State of Local Disaster

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Christine Sage, Chairman – 970.563.0100 Tribal Information Services – 970.563.4702 FOR RELEASE: October 25, 2026 PROCLAMATION OF STATE OF LOCAL DISASTER DUE TO SEVERE MONSOON STORMS, FLASH FLOODING, AND ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE DAMAGE ACROSS THE SOUTHERN UTE INDIAN RESERVATION Under the authority vested in me in Resolution Number 2004-225 and the Tribe’s Emergency Operations Plan, I, Christine Sage, the Chairman of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, hereby proclaim a state of local disaster on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation as follows: Background and Need On October 20, 2026, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Decision Support Packet indicating moderate to heavy rainfall, possible flooding, and high confidence for periods of widespread rainfall for La Plata and Archuleta counties where the Southern Ute Indian Reservation is located. On October 22, 2026, the NWS issued a Decision Support Packet indicating heavy rainfall of 2 to 4 inches for the southwest San Juans, and that flooding from heavy rainfall would result, including high confidence in periods of widespread rainfall and localized flooding. On October 23, 2026, the NWS issued a Decision Support Packet indicating that heavy rainfall in the region was resulting in flooding of small creeks, arroyos, rivers […]

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