The small town of Hartman, Colorado, has been officially declared abandoned by the state after a complete collapse of its local government and a severe drinking water crisis left residents without clean water or elected officials. The declaration, issued by Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold's office on July 29, marks a rare administrative action under state law, with the Denver Post noting it has "no analog in recent state history."
Water Crisis and Government Collapse
According to public documents, Hartman's water system had lacked chlorine for over a month, making the water non-potable and "smells horrible," as reported by residents. The town had been under a boil-water order for months, and all town leaders, including the board of trustees and town clerk, had resigned, leaving the community unable to hold elections or manage essential infrastructure.
Resident Jessie Simmons, a landowner and voter, wrote to Griswold's office in June, requesting the formal abandonment of Hartman. In a 15-page order granting Simmons' request, the secretary of state's office stated that not declaring abandonment would leave residents "in further legal limbo during a health hazard, with no authority to conduct business, hold elections, or fix their water infrastructure."
Background of the Crisis
Hartman, which had a population of fewer than 60 at the 2020 US census, has been plagued by political infighting, accusations of fraud, and even a physical fight at a governing board meeting. The Denver Post compared the feuding to the historic Hatfield-McCoy rivalry, noting that the intense quarreling kept potential water operators from stepping in to help. The town's water tower had needed substantial repairs for years but never received them.
The crisis left residents under a boil-water order for the entire year leading up to the abandonment, during which all elected officials resigned. Simmons wrote to Griswold's office on June 17, and the declaration was made official on July 29, with the town's infrastructure becoming the responsibility of surrounding Prowers County, barring a successful appeal.
Mixed Reactions from Residents
While some residents supported the declaration as a necessary step to restore clean water, others objected. Resident Shawna Casey said, "Hartman is not a failed town. Hartman is a town that was failed by the systems designed to protect it." This sentiment reflects the frustration of residents who feel the state and county failed to intervene earlier.
The abandonment is the only legal mechanism under Colorado law that allows residents to receive clean water, according to the secretary of state's office. It is a drastic step, but one that officials argue is necessary to resolve the health hazard and legal limbo.
