'Evidence Of THC': Town Says Don't Drink The Water

HUGO, Colo. (CBS4) - A health warning has been sent out to residents of a small town on Colorado's Eastern Plains: don't drink the water.

The town of Hugo's public works department said Thursday afternoon the municipal water supply has been found to contain THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana.

"Earlier this afternoon Hugo Public Works notified Lincoln County Sheriff's Office that there was evidence of THC in the Town of Hugo's water supply," the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office wrote in a Facebook post.

So far there's been no explanation given about how the THC might have come to be present in the water, and it's not clear how much THC the water may contain. They said the warning is being sent out "out of an abundance of caution" and should be followed for the next 48 hours.

Authorities said residents can still flush toilets with the water but they said not to drink it, shower with it or cook with it. They said supplies of fresh water are being delivered to the community soon.

State and federal authorities have been contacted to assist with the investigation into the matter.

Hugo is located to the southeast of Limon on Highway 287, approximately 100 miles east and south of Denver. The town has a population of approximately 800 people.

Residents were told to call 719-743-2485 with questions about the warning.

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