The city of Manitou Springs lifted all water restrictions, both indoor and outdoor, on Friday, according to an email news release from the city.

Residents and businesses may now resume normal water use, including bathing, dishwashing, laundry, irrigation and sprinkler system operation, the release stated.

The Friday update follows continued repairs in the city’s water system that were needed after multiple problems emerged earlier this week. The city asked citizens to stop all but essential water use on Monday.

Turbidity levels in French Creek have decreased enough to allow for consistent treatment operations. On Thursday, the city’s water treatment plant processed 697,000 gallons — supporting normal daily demand. Water capacity has returned to safe and sustainable levels, enabling the full lifting of restrictions, officials said.

Thursday’s update

The city of Manitou Springs has lifted its ban on nonessential water use indoors after repairs to a backup supply finished ahead of schedule. 

The city released a statement Thursday saying that the developments meant residents would no longer be asked to restrict their usage. 

“Residents and businesses may now resume normal indoor water use, including laundry, bathing, dishwashing, and sanitation,” read the statement. 

The city is still asking residents not to use water outdoors, including for irrigation, plant watering and sprinkler systems, until the water supply is completely stabilized. 

The lifting of restrictions comes after the city said Colorado Springs Utilities crews were able to fix the Old Northslope Pipeline, a supply the city can normally use to access its water rights during emergencies. Leaks were discovered in the 100-year-old pipeline during repairs last week, according to a Utilities spokesperson. 

The pipeline went down at the same time Manitou Springs was experiencing issues with turbidity in its regular supply from French Creek due to high spring runoff. Turbidity refers to the opacity of water with suspended debris, which can clog water treatment filters. 

The city has slowly increased its treated water output this week as it fine-tuned its treatment plant with help from Colorado Springs Utilities, according to plant operator John Ewell at a city council meeting on Tuesday. 

Thursday morning, the city said it was able to treat about 457,000 gallons of water Wednesday, its highest output since the crisis began. 

The repairs to the pipeline, completed Thursday morning, came in a day ahead of Ewell’s expectations, further supplementing Manitou Springs’ water capacity. 

The city said it appreciated businesses that voluntarily closed or took steps to limit water use during the shortage. It also thanked the YMCA of Downtown Colorado Springs, which opened its facilities to provide showers. 

“This week has shown what we can accomplish when we come together and make every effort to protect our shared resources,” said Denise Howell, city administrator. “From the businesses that closed, to the families that changed their routines, to the organizations that stepped in to help — every action mattered.”