A 4.2 million gallon raw sewage spill into the Arkansas River in Pueblo a week ago prompted state officials to expand a water contact advisory on Wednesday, according to a news release by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

E. coli levels have continued to test significantly above safe levels downstream after the spill on Aug. 26 and 27. It occurred when a stormwater pipe burst under pressure from a hole cut “many years ago” that was patched with concrete in a wastewater pipe within it, according to the city of Pueblo.

The advisory encourages visitors to avoid all activities involving water contact and keep pets away from the water.

The new CPW locations under the water contact advisory are:

• Melon Valley State Wildlife Area
• Rocky Ford State Wildlife Area
• Oxbox State Wildlife Area
• Las Animas Fish Hatchery
• Purgatoire River State Wildlife Area
• Fort Lyon State Wildlife Area
• North Gateway Ponds State Wildlife Area
• Granada State Wildlife Area
• Deadman State Wildlife Area
• Midwestern Farms State Wildlife Area
• Holly State Wildlife Area

John Martin Reservoir State Park was included in an advisory issued on Sunday, which remains in effect.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s public health advisory remains in effect for Blende, Avondale, Fowler, Manzanola, Rocky Ford, La Junta and Las Animas.

E. coli tests in recent days have shown some improvement but levels downstream of the spill remain unsafe for recreation in most areas.

Initially, the strongest results were in Pueblo near Baxter Road and 36th Lane, where they measured over 2,000 colony-forming units (CFU) per 100 mL. Typically, 100 CFU/100mL is considered safe.

Both sites have since recorded E. coli levels below 400 CFU/100mL, according to CDPHE data. Many locations do not have more than one test recorded, and seven new places were first tested days after the spill.

Those newer downstream results range from 6 CFU/100mL in the John Martin State Park Swim Beach to 1,299 CFU/100mL in Boone.

Additional tests in La Junta and Las Animas recorded 123 and 83 CFU/100mL, respectively.

There is no evidence the spill has impacted drinking water, and growers in the Arkansas Valley must ensure the water they use is in compliance with food safety requirements, the CDPHE previously stated.

Coming into contact with the contaminated water could carry bacteria, viruses and parasites that cause diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, fever and other symptoms, according to the CDPHE’s news release on Monday. If someone contacts the water, CDPHE advises:

• Washing hands and exposed skin thoroughly with soap and clean water
• Removing wet clothes and washing them separately
• Seeking medical attention if symptoms develop, especially if they are severe or if the person is very young, older, pregnant or has a weakened immune system

The CDPHE has established a webpage dedicated to the spill with up-to-date information, test data and the status of the advisory.