The town of Hartman in southeastern Colorado has been declared abandoned following the resignation of all local public leaders amid a drinking water supply crisis. Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold announced the declaration on July 29, 2026, after receiving written advice that the town had lacked chlorine in its water for over a month, rendering it non-potable and causing a foul odor, according to public documents.
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Colorado town declared abandoned due to water crisis and leadership resignations
Hartman, a small town in southeastern Colorado, has been declared abandoned after all local leaders resigned due to a drinking water crisis. The Colorado Secretary of State announced the decision following reports of unsafe water conditions.
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Colorado declares town abandoned amid water and leadership crisis
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Colorado town declared abandoned due to water crisis and leadership resignations