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Jeffco Evacuates Area Near Leyden Dam

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4)- Some Jefferson County residents living near Leyden Dam were voluntarily evacuated on Thursday evening.

The evacuation was voluntary because there wasn't a fear of the dam failing but excess runoff from the spillway creating dangerous flooding on roadways.

The borders for the voluntary evacuation are 82nd to 66th and Alkire to McIntyre.

Jeffco Sheriff's Office said those in this perimeter near a creek, ditch or low lying area are encouraged to evacuate.

Also in Jeffco, Golden Gate Canyon Road was closed due to unsafe conditions beyond Hwy 93.

In Arvada, heavy rains carried a larger than normal amount of sediment into Ralston Reservoir. The City of Arvada's Ralston Water Treatment Plant was taking water directly from Ralston Reservoir at the time and a higher than normal amount of sediment was carried into the treatment plant.

This excessive sediment increased a measure of cloudiness known as turbidity in Arvada's treated water. Turbidity has no health effects. However, turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth. Turbidity may indicate the presence of disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea and associated headaches.

Arvada wishes to ensure water customers are safe and is required to advise citizens that there is a possibility that microbial contaminants may have entered the system. These microbes may cause gastro-intestinal illness, especially in sensitive populations such as children, the elderly or immune-compromised individuals.

At this time no action needs to be taken by water users to ensure the water is safe. No boil water or bottled water advisory has been issued and Arvada's water customers may continue to use tap water from Arvada's distribution system. However, if persistent illness occurs, including diarrhea or vomiting, citizens who have used Arvada water are encouraged to seek medical attention.

The City of Arvada is currently working on flushing the affected water from the Ralston Treatment Plant and portions of the distribution system that may have been affected by this event. After this is completed, the Ralston Water Treatment Plant will be returned to service. It is expected that this will be completed within 5 days.

For more information, contact the City of ArvadaWater Quality at 720-898-7802.

Colorado Floods: How To Help

The recent floods are impacting families and communities throughout Colorado, so CBS4 has compiled a list of ways you can support the local communities impacted by the floods.

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