Colorado Town Warns Residents Of THC In The Water

By Steve Almasy and Ana Cabrera

HUGO, Co. (CNN) -- The approximately 730 people who live in a small town in eastern Colorado have been told not to drink the water because there is evidence a well is contaminated with THC, the principal psychoactive chemical in cannabis.

A reverse 911 call went out to residents in Hugo -- a little more than 100 miles east-southeast of Denver -- on Thursday, said Micki Trost, a spokeswoman for the Colorado emergency management department.

Public works officials advised the Lincoln County sheriff of the problem.

"At this time, investigators are assessing the situation with state and federal authorities," the sheriff's department said on Facebook. "Bathroom usage is still safe, but until more information is known to us, out of an abundance of caution, avoid drinking town of Hugo water."

The sheriff said bottled water is coming to town. The department used its Twitter account to say testing of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is ongoing at the well.

"Tests began after complaints, no level of concentration, water well #1 is still being investigated, no symptoms to anyone," the tweet said.

Colorado is home to legalized recreational marijuana sales. It was not immediately clear whether they are permitted in Hugo.

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