Pueblo County High School is facing a critical infrastructure challenge as its sewage system struggles to accommodate a student population that has surged from its original design capacity of 700 to 1,200. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued a warning, threatening a cease and desist order along with potential fines of $64,346 for each violation, as the school has recorded alarming levels of fecal coliform and nitrogen in its groundwater—up to 99,999 percent above allowable limits. This situation poses a significant risk not only to the school's operations but also to local agricultural areas, as contaminated groundwater can affect soil quality and water sources.

Superintendent Ryan confirmed the severity of the issue, emphasizing the need for immediate upgrades to the sewage system to prevent raw sewage from contaminating groundwater, which ultimately feeds into rivers and aquifers.

In addition to sewage concerns, the district is also grappling with extensive roof repairs across its schools. Recent rainfall has raised questions about the condition of buildings that have not yet received necessary roof replacements. While many roofs have been updated through previous bond measures, several sections remain in disrepair, leading to potential safety hazards. The district aims to establish a systematic approach to address these critical maintenance needs annually, rather than relying solely on emergency measures.

The discussions highlight the urgent need for infrastructure improvements to ensure the health and safety of students and the surrounding community.