Parker Waichman LLP

Salmonella Outbreak in Alamosa, Colorado Linked to City Water System

This week, residents in Alamosa, Colorado were advised by health department officials to avoid tap water after salmonella contamination was discovered in the city’s water system.  A city spokeswoman said it was safe for residents to boil water before using it; otherwise, bottled water should be use.  “Water to be consumed should be brought to […]

This week, residents in Alamosa, Colorado were advised by health department officials to avoid tap water after <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/salmonella">salmonella contamination was discovered in the city’s water system.  A city spokeswoman said it was safe for residents to boil water before using it; otherwise, bottled water should be use.  “Water to be consumed should be brought to a rolling boil, but there is no need to boil longer than 15 seconds,” said spokeswoman Ellen T. Cohen.  Residents must start using bottled water when the city begins flushing the system; which should take a week, Cohen said.  During the cleaning, residents will not be able to boil the water to clean it, she said.  Instead, officials recommend everyone stock up on bottled water.  “Only bottled water should be consumed from the time the flushing of the system begins until further notice from city and state officials,” Cohen said.

Thirty-three cases of salmonella were confirmed and linked to the outbreak; officials are investigating another 46 cases.  “I am very troubled by the drinking water situation in Alamosa.  The risk that a possible contamination is currently imposing on the health and well being of thousands of residents is worrisome,” said Senator Ken Salazar.  “I will do whatever I can at the federal level working with state and local authorities to get to the bottom of this.”

Salmonella is a common bacteria than can cause serious illness and usually comes from contaminated food, but can come from contaminated water.  Information about this outbreak is available at the COHELP line 1-877-462-2911; recorded information is available from 8:00 am and 11:00 pm, Monday through Friday.  Also, Colorado state consumer protection officials provided the following guidance during the bottled water order:

  • At home, use bottled water for cooking, drinking, brushing teeth, making ice, washing dishes, and for adding to any food, especially baby formula.
  • Do not use water to wash plates, cups and utensils.  Use only single-service utensils, such as paper plates, napkins, cups, plastic spoons, forks, and knives.
  • Home-style/domestic dishwashing machines are adequate for sanitizing if the heat drying cycle is applied.  Bathing and showering should present no problems for healthy individuals; do not ingest water during such activities.
  • No commercial food preparation should be done unless approved by the local public health agency.  Consider using prepared food from an alternative approved source.  Use only prepackaged foods that do not require any additional preparation other than heating in its original container.  Use frozen/canned produce.
  • Frequently wash hands and apply hand sanitizer after washing.
  • Do not touch food with bare hands. Use disposable gloves.
  • Purchase packaged potable ice.

People infected with salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps within 12 to 72 hours of infection.  Laboratory testing is required to determine the presence of Salmonella; additional testing can determine the specific type and which antibiotics are needed.  Generally, the illness lasts a week and most recover without treatment; however, in some, hospitalization is required because the infection may have spread from the intestines to the blood stream and other body sites.  Severe cases can result in death if not treated.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
I thank you so much Benita Rollis. for always contact me and given me updates, you always returned my calls and process my documents, informing me about the documents I needed to make things move faster. you was very professional and always courtesy and kind to me. Thank you Luis F
Luis Franceschi
a year ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Responsiveness B Rollis was very kind, helpful and quickly returned calls regarding any questions I had.
Willie Matos
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I have no words to express how grateful I am for the service of the Parker Waichman firm. Thanks to Michelle Josama and Jorge Peniche for all their attention.
Miguela Quezada
a month ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038