In July, we reported that Parks and Recreation turned off the city's public water fountains due to staffing issues and officials said that was delaying maintenance.
Today, we have good news: the city hired a plumber, and now, at least 125 of Denver's 133 water fountains are back on.
So if Denver's new plumber is reading this, thank you because it's hot out here.
Parks and Recreation Deputy Executive Director Scott Gilmore said between five and eight of the fountains are still undergoing maintenance.
He added that majority of the city's public restrooms are open and staffed. The bathrooms downtown are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the other bathrooms are open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
"We just needed the staff," he said.
Homeless advocates have long criticized the city for a lack of public bathrooms and access to water, a particularly challenging issue during the summer heat.
Now, Gilmore said his department is focusing on trimming plants due to all the rain.
"We're asking people to give us some grace and a little bit of time to make sure we're addressing tall weeds," he said.
