Citizens of Victor were ordered to completely cease all water usage as the Teller County town deals with a water outage, according to a news release.

In a Facebook post from the city of Victor, officials said that a section of water line became dislodged while crews were working to replace part of the system.

Town officials declared an emergency on Sunday. A response team, formed to coordinate operations and repairs, operated out of the Victor Fire Station. Backup water was being brought in from “multiple external sources, the release stated.

City Manager Bobby Tech said Monday that two utility crews were working around the clock to fix the issue.

In the meantime, the town’s approximately 360 residents have been told not to use any water.

“Even if your property currently has water pressure, you must stop all water use immediately,” the release stated. “The system cannot recover if demand continues to exceed production and storage capacity. Every gallon used delays restoration for your neighbors and the community as a whole.”

Several neighboring towns and agencies have pitched in to help, officials said, including the Aspen Mine Center, Cripple Creek Parks and Recreation Department, and the Cripple Creek-Victor School District.

“They have all offered showers to impacted families,” Tech said. “We’ve been fortunate to have them as partners.”

Potable water — suitable for drinking and cooking — was being distributed at the Victor Fire House, according to the release. Portable toilets were available outside City Hall and the ice rink, which is closer to the south end of the town. Non-potable water, donated from nearby agencies, was also available for toilet flushing, officials said.

Water should be restored Tuesday or Wednesday, Tech said.

“We’re hoping to expedite that timeline, but we could be constrained by whatever happens next,” he said. “That’s one of the challenges of trying to fix an old system.”

Officials are asking residents for patience and continued support as they work to restore the system.

“We know where the leak is, we have isolated the system failure, and we have a plan to repair it,” Tech said. “We are thankful for that.”

“We’re just out of business — absolutely,” said Adam Zimmerli, who owns several businesses including Dirty Sally’s Pizzeria and Black Monarch Hotel.

Zimmerli said the hotel spent recent days issuing refunds and credits on what had shaped up to be a sold-out concert weekend in town.

“I feel terrible,” said of the situation for visitors whose plans were altered.