The Colorado town of Hartman is being abandoned after a water issue has led to a health hazard. The water issue follows elected officials leaving their positions in January after a brawl broke out following a board of trustees meeting.
The New York Post reports that the town has a population of 30.
According to an order of abandonment, Eric Bergman, the Director of the Division of Local Government for the Department of Local Affairs, finds that the “Town of Hartman is facing a public health threat.”
“Mr. Bergman testified that the Town of Hartman has been on a boil advisory since last October 2025, and the water currently needs testing and chlorine. The water tank is compromised and needs repair or replacement,” Deputy Secretary of State Andrew Kline wrote. “There is no one operating the water system at this time.”
“Since the resignation of these elected officials, no government officials or government remain in the Town of Hartman,” the order adds. “There are no government officials in the Town of Hartman who are authorized to approve contracts, spend funds, appoint replacements, certify elections, or make decisions regarding the Town of Hartman’s water system. Mr. Bergman testified there is also no clerk or governing body to call, conduct, or certify a municipal election.”
“The Deputy Secretary finds and concludes that the evidence establishes the Town of Hartman is abandoned under § 31-3-201(1)(b), C.R.S. (2026),” Kline explained. “The evidence presented indicates the town, more likely than not, does not have a board of trustees or town clerk; is unable to hold an election; and owns or operates water infrastructure critical for the treatment or delivery of water to residents as found above.”
The order notes that not declaring the town as abandoned “would leave the residents in further legal limbo during a health hazard, with no authority to conduct business, hold elections, or fix their water infrastructure so that clean water can be delivered to the town residents.”
“Abandonment is the only legal mechanism in Colorado statute that creates an avenue for residents of the area to receive clean water,” it declares.
Colorado Secretary of State Jena Giswold also formally announced that the town is facing abandonment.
