On the right side of the road, you’ll find a spring. Frequently used by locals. A man I met there told me that a couple of times per year chlorine is put in the water. He also added that the water is frequently checked for purity and health.
The original springs is near st Isabelle lake and it is where chief Niwot and his crew camped in the summers so if u could find that spot it would be ideal! the pump house is above brainard lake – it is then pumped through pipes (old, don’t know what kind) into nearly every house in ward and the spring at the end of town. I actually prefer caribou springs better! And Loveland the best <3
Thanks for the info on where this spring originates! We heard from a local that there was a spring house above Ward, but he didn’t say where. Where is Caribou Springs?
Flowing as of 2/5/2023: This spring is excellent. The GPS coordinates will take you right past the spring which you will see on your right. The locals say that the spring is washed with chlorine twice a year to meet FDA guidelines and to stay in compliance with federal law, but the chlorine washes out quickly and in their 15 years they have never experienced any chlorinated taste. The water is also tested and a printout of the results is usually posted on the tree nearby (not there now over winter).
they don’t put chlorine in the water; they have tanks that the water runs through before flowing back out…twice a year they clean out the tanks using chlorine…the water is the best I have found in the boulder/denver area!!
Manitou Springs…the water is carbonated which is unique to these springs though…Their are several springs in Downtown Manitou..they even have maps available…
I’m an Eagle Scout on a fasting quest looking for a natural spring near a mountaintop in Colorado that I can camp a 100yards away from for free. I really just want to travel light and backpack somewhere secluded & mountainous to fast for a few weeks. I plan on camping clean and respectful to the environment. I also need to learn about being aware of hunting in that area this fall to be cautious. justinbowling@yahoo
I have desired to do the same but haven’t found a suitable place. I know that there are some springs around Pike Peak area, and obviously near ward. Please let me know if you find a great place!! Good luck.
2nd question…..how do you know this is the same spring that indian peak gets there water from? i have been drinking from this spring for 1.5months…im trying to research how deep the spring is….etc …to make sure the water is safe.
i have talked to the people at indian peaks and have been to and drank from the water coming from their spring house. I was told by locals that the aquifer is over 2,ooo feet deep. The water is safe!! My family and I have been drinking this water and only this water for about a year and a half. I have tested the tds and they were around 15ppm. The water is cold and pure. The best I have found within reasonable distance to where we currently live..
This water is wonderful. It has an almost sweet taste. We love it, when I drink it i get a smile inside and I nearly giggle.
FYI, the flow has slowed over the years. This spring is used by a lot by the local folks and there is often a wait. Perhaps due to the slowing of the flow. But, the water is wonderful and worth the effort.
Hey water lovers! I was there today, 10/19/24, and spring was at a barely dripping flow. A man from Marroccos said they are re plumbing it, and it might be back next week
I have algea growing on all three glass jugs I collected in July. One jug immediately started to grow the algae, the other two started visibly growing this month in August. I took this picture of my one jug that has not been touched since filling it to the top on August 24th 2024. I am going to do a water test and follow up.
As told to us by a local, we lived in Jamestown at the time in 2019. The water started to get treated much more than twice a year. Prior to treatment the water was amazing, there is a natural filtration below. However, according to new laws enforced by local government the water now tastes chalky and nothing like it did prior to treatment. Not worth the travel or the new chalky taste. The water is treated with more than just chlorine.
This spout had a strong flow. ive checked the TDS and PH resulting to 28 TDS and 8.6 PH. The route to the spring is beautiful and beware of the many bicyclists. This springs seems to be quite popular and is regularly used
Today I filled my 5 gallon jug. I had been to this spring in years prior, and was very excited to get back and get my clean water…
I not so sure it’s not the water giving me a stomach ache now though. I was hit wth abdominal pain about an hour after first ingestion, and then now again after resuming drinking some hours later. I will update this after a few more days drinking this water.
Drinking pure spring water is one of the most important things we can do for our health. Our bodies are over 99% water at the molecular level, so water affects every aspect of our biology. Yet, not all water is created equal. Almost all the bottled spring water available is pasteurized for shelf stability, which neutralizes many of the powerful health benefits such as increased hydrogen, healthy probiotics, and crystalline structure. For more about why unprocessed spring water is the best water to drink, read this.
The best way to guarantee you are getting real unprocessed spring water is to collect it yourself. This is a short and simple guide filled with information about how to gather spring water. We will cover how to find a spring, how to collect the water, how to honor the spring, how to store the water properly and other tips.
FindASpring.org is the best resource for locating a spring near you. However, not all springs are on the map. First, check the map to see if there is a spring in your local area. If there is, look at the reviews and comments. Has anyone shared helpful information about flow rate or posted a water test result? Is the spring in a pristine area? Do a bit of research and make sure the spring is safe to drink from. If you have any doubt about the purity, don’t risk it and get a water test, HERE. If you don’t see a spring on the map in your area, there still might be some that aren’t listed yet. First, ask the older generation who have lived in your area a long time if they know. You can also ask people in your community who might already get spring water such as people at a health food store or at a farmers market. Another great option is to view A US forest service map, where many springs have been marked. You can view these maps through the Gaia GPS or All Trails hiking apps on your phone. The map overlay you want is USGS Topo. Not all are easily accessible or ideal for drinking, but some are and it can be a fun adventure to find them. We have found over half a dozen great springs this way.
Once you’ve found your spring, figure out how you are going to gather the water. Is it right on the side of the road and easy to access or do you have to hike to it? We recommend storing spring water in glass instead of plastic to preserve the purity of the water. It is better for the environment, your body, and the water. Even BPA free plastic has toxic chemicals that can leach into water and cause health issues. If you do want to use plastic for safety reasons when filling at the spring, we recommend transferring the water to glass as soon as possible. FindASpring is sponsored by Alive Waters, which offers beautiful reusable glass. They have a 2.5 gallon option, which is a convenient size for carrying that isn’t too heavy. They also sell handles that you can use to transport the jugs even more easily. If you have to hike to access the spring, we recommend putting the water jugs into an extra large backpack to hike the water out with ease. We use Osprey packs that hold 2 jugs each. You can also use a wheelbarrow or even a stroller depending on how easy a walk it is.
When you get to the spring, remember to first give back before you take. Springs are considered sacred in indigenous cultures around the world for their life giving water and also as a connection to the inner earth. A powerful and simple way to give back is to clean up. Is there any trash that needs to be collected? Could you move any dead leaves or sticks to improve the flow rate? Show up in service. Some other wonderful ways to give is with a moment of expressing verbal gratitude, singing songs to the water, offering the water an ethically sourced crystal, a feather, or some other physical gift. Flowers are a popular and beautiful thing to offer, but please be careful to source organic ones as most flowers from the store are sprayed with pesticides and can be toxic to put near a spring. Also, flowers can attract bugs as they decay, so it can be best to offer them to the flowing water directly or a little downstream from the spring head.
When gathering the water, fill the jug as close to the spring head as possible, never gather downstream. Be very careful as wet glass is extremely slippery. Make sure the lid is securely fastened. When transporting the spring water home, the jugs can sometimes slide around the car. Secure them in place or wrap them with towels or something so they don’t crash into each other.
How you store your spring water is essential. It is not pasteurized like spring water from the store, so it will start growing algae if left in direct sunlight. This is good because it means it’s alive! If the water you drink can’t even support the most basic life forms, how do you think it will support your body? Store your water in a cool, dark place such as a dark corner, pantry or closet. The fridge is ideal if you have room. Some people prefer to filter their water through a Berkey filter before drinking, but if the spring is pure, it’s not necessary. We drink our spring water completely unfiltered.
How long the water stays good for depends on how cold a temperature it’s stored at. Spring water is best fresh. We personally do not prefer to drink spring water past 2 weeks old. However, we know other people that will drink it at a month old. It’s great to get in a rhythm where you know how long the water lasts you and put your collection day on the calendar in advance.
I believe that water is calling us to reconnect with her in the deepest way, to gather our own water. Just like our ancestors did. Our ancestors didn’t have fancy water machines. They also didn’t create villages or settle where there was no water. Water was revered as the center of the community and the nodal point around which life could spiral out and take root.
Here’s to restoring the sacred connection with the waters of life.
Written by Dakota Chanel. Water Priestess and Ceremonialist. DakotaChanel.com
I have algea growing on all three glass jugs I collected in July. One jug immediately started to grow the algae, the other two started visibly growing this month in August. I took this picture of my one jug that has not been touched since filling it to the top on August 24th 2024. I am going to do a water test and follow up.
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Ward Spring, Ward, CO
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Spring was not flowing on 1/8/2023.
Now flowing as of 2/5/2023
This spring is in close proximity the the Captain Jack Mill Superfund site which is currently leaking contaminants into the nearby river on a daily basis: https://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/SiteProfiles/index.cfm?fuseaction=second.contams&id=0800892
The original springs is near st Isabelle lake and it is where chief Niwot and his crew camped in the summers so if u could find that spot it would be ideal! the pump house is above brainard lake – it is then pumped through pipes (old, don’t know what kind) into nearly every house in ward and the spring at the end of town. I actually prefer caribou springs better! And Loveland the best <3
Thanks for the info on where this spring originates! We heard from a local that there was a spring house above Ward, but he didn’t say where. Where is Caribou Springs?
Flowing as of 2/5/2023: This spring is excellent. The GPS coordinates will take you right past the spring which you will see on your right. The locals say that the spring is washed with chlorine twice a year to meet FDA guidelines and to stay in compliance with federal law, but the chlorine washes out quickly and in their 15 years they have never experienced any chlorinated taste. The water is also tested and a printout of the results is usually posted on the tree nearby (not there now over winter).
Cuz they don’t realize that the whole point of drinking from that spring is to NOT drink chlorinated water.
Spring was frozen and barely trickling on 1/1/23.
How about uranium in the water? My husband says ward has a lot of uranium.
i don’t believe that is true. From what I understand both Ward and Indian Peaks tests the water for this and it is free and clear!!
how would they put chlorine in the spring water??
they don’t put chlorine in the water; they have tanks that the water runs through before flowing back out…twice a year they clean out the tanks using chlorine…the water is the best I have found in the boulder/denver area!!
I love this spring! it’s very popular among the locals 🙂
whats the closest spring near colorado springs 80918?
Manitou Springs…the water is carbonated which is unique to these springs though…Their are several springs in Downtown Manitou..they even have maps available…
I’m an Eagle Scout on a fasting quest looking for a natural spring near a mountaintop in Colorado that I can camp a 100yards away from for free. I really just want to travel light and backpack somewhere secluded & mountainous to fast for a few weeks. I plan on camping clean and respectful to the environment. I also need to learn about being aware of hunting in that area this fall to be cautious. justinbowling@yahoo
I have desired to do the same but haven’t found a suitable place. I know that there are some springs around Pike Peak area, and obviously near ward. Please let me know if you find a great place!! Good luck.
I am also curious as to why they put chlorine in the water, and twice a year??
Same water that is sold by Indian Peaks Spring Water. See water analysis numbers here: http://www.indianpeaksspringwater.com/about-our-water
2nd question…..how do you know this is the same spring that indian peak gets there water from? i have been drinking from this spring for 1.5months…im trying to research how deep the spring is….etc …to make sure the water is safe.
i have talked to the people at indian peaks and have been to and drank from the water coming from their spring house. I was told by locals that the aquifer is over 2,ooo feet deep. The water is safe!! My family and I have been drinking this water and only this water for about a year and a half. I have tested the tds and they were around 15ppm. The water is cold and pure. The best I have found within reasonable distance to where we currently live..
This water is wonderful. It has an almost sweet taste. We love it, when I drink it i get a smile inside and I nearly giggle.
FYI, the flow has slowed over the years. This spring is used by a lot by the local folks and there is often a wait. Perhaps due to the slowing of the flow. But, the water is wonderful and worth the effort.
Hey water lovers! I was there today, 10/19/24, and spring was at a barely dripping flow. A man from Marroccos said they are re plumbing it, and it might be back next week
I have algea growing on all three glass jugs I collected in July. One jug immediately started to grow the algae, the other two started visibly growing this month in August. I took this picture of my one jug that has not been touched since filling it to the top on August 24th 2024. I am going to do a water test and follow up.
As told to us by a local, we lived in Jamestown at the time in 2019. The water started to get treated much more than twice a year. Prior to treatment the water was amazing, there is a natural filtration below. However, according to new laws enforced by local government the water now tastes chalky and nothing like it did prior to treatment. Not worth the travel or the new chalky taste. The water is treated with more than just chlorine.
This spout had a strong flow. ive checked the TDS and PH resulting to 28 TDS and 8.6 PH. The route to the spring is beautiful and beware of the many bicyclists. This springs seems to be quite popular and is regularly used
Just filled 10 5 gal of water today here in under 10 mins…
The water is great and feels good
Went there yesterday and the spring is going! The flow is pretty slow, but the water is delicious! Happy to have a spring nearby.
Last time we went there, this spring was closed due to someone taking the hose.. I am not sure when it will be reopened..
Went mid July 2015 and the spring is ‘temporarily’ closed due to tampering? Was flowing in June…
Keep water free!
Today I filled my 5 gallon jug. I had been to this spring in years prior, and was very excited to get back and get my clean water…
I not so sure it’s not the water giving me a stomach ache now though. I was hit wth abdominal pain about an hour after first ingestion, and then now again after resuming drinking some hours later. I will update this after a few more days drinking this water.
With all the road closures, we are trying to find a new spring within reasonable driving distance of Lyons, CO. Any tips would be much appreciated!