Colorado Declares Hartman Abandoned Amid Water Crisis and Leadership Resignations
The town of Hartman, located in southeastern Colorado, has been declared abandoned following a severe drinking water crisis and the resignation of all local public leaders. The announcement was made by Colorado's Secretary of State, Jena Griswold, on July 29, after it was reported that the town's water supply had been without chlorine for over a month, rendering it non-potable and foul-smelling. Hartman had been under a boil water order for several months, and the lack of a functioning local government further exacerbated the situation. The town, which had a population of fewer than 60 people according to the 2020 census, was unable to hold local elections or maintain its water infrastructure. The responsibility for the town's infrastructure will now fall to Prowers County, unless an appeal is successful. 
