Residents in Iliff, CO have not had running water for 12 days so far, and it could be weeks before water returns to their pipes. This means no showers, no toilet flushing, no dish washing, no way to clean laundry… unless they drive for 12 miles one way where water is available.
It all started on May 31, when the town, 140 miles northeast of Denver, experienced a main break under the South Platte River. Because of high water levels in the river, repairing the break has not been possible. With many older residents living in Iliff, some have temporarily moved out of town to stay with friends or family members. But how are the rest of the 250 residents coping? According to Iliff mayor, Julie Dunlap, who spoke to Matt Miller at Esquire magazine:
We are not under a "no flush" order, so if people are able to get water into their homes and fill their tanks, they can still flush—which is a good thing, but it is an inconvenience. The other two [challenges] are showering and the ability to wash hands, because then sanitation becomes an issue. You don't realize how many times you wash your hands during the day.
The Red Cross has stepped in, as well as a neighboring town who has opened up their fire station showers for Iliff residents. Click here for more of Esquire's conversation with Iliff's mayor about the situation.
