Hartman, Colorado, declared abandoned after officials quit, water deteriorates

Key Points:

• The small town of Hartman, Colorado, with a population of 30, has been declared abandoned after its remaining elected officials resigned, leaving the town without governance and its water system in a hazardous state.
• The town has been under a boil water advisory since October 2025 due to a compromised water system lacking chlorine, with no officials able to manage repairs or access over $1 million in grant funds.
• The Office of the Colorado Secretary of State determined abandonment is necessary to enable residents to receive clean water and prevent further legal limbo, as no town officials remain to conduct elections or manage infrastructure.
• Following the abandonment order, ownership of the town’s critical water infrastructure and public streets will be transferred to Prowers County, which will oversee water treatment or delivery through an appropriate entity.
• The resignations followed a series of governance issues, including a violent incident at a trustees meeting, previous embezzlement allegations, and restraining orders, leading officials to prioritize safety over maintaining local government.