EPA calls for state help in water testing; Aztec residents hit hardest by contaminated water

Environmental Protection Agency scientists are still analyzing water and sediment tests following the mine spill into the Animas and San Juan rivers, but the trend appears to be improving, and heavy metal contamination levels seem to be declining.

Most of the leftover heavy metals seem to be sinking into the sediment of the riverbottom, where scientists say increased water flows could stir it up again, but also wash it further downstream. But upstream in Colorado, things are definitely looking better than they were late last week.

“A spike as the plume of mine water passed and returned to pre-incident levels…so in the water quality realm, we’re seeing conditions back to pretty much a pre-incident level here in the Durango area as the water clears up,” an EPA spokesperson said Tuesday.

Downstream in New Mexico, the plume was about 10 miles west of Farmington Tuesday afternoon, and scientists are still analyzing test data from the area.

“We’re hoping to have that data out as soon as possible – within the next 24 hours,” the EPA said.

It warns that the Gold King Mine is still leaking out contaminated water at more than 500 gallons per minute, but most of that water is being trapped in retention ponds that lower acidity levels.

Authorities have noted that the Animas has had some level of contamination for many decades – before the EPA existed – due to old mining operations.

An update from San Juan County and the Navajo Nation released Tuesday evening on where to get water, public meetings planned for Tuesday, and livestock information can be read here.

EPA ON OPPOSITE SIDE OF THINGS

The EPA normally doesn’t cause the disasters they have to mop up, and are struggling to handle the role reversal.

The spill has local residents wondering not about the short-term effects, but rather what might happen years down the road.

“It’s the kids that really concern me,” Patricia Balew said.

Her family backs up to an irrigation ditch fed by the Animas. Family drinking water comes from the well, and Balew had hers tested Tuesday.

There’s still plenty of fear about what lurks beneath the surface of the Animas. Even state environment officials testing the water won’t touch it without plastic gloves.

Between Farmington and Durango Tuesday, rocks shone an eerie gold color – a hint of the sediment left behind.

Also Tuesday, state officials confirmed the EPA has admitted the federal government cannot undertake the massive operation alone, and has hired the New Mexico Environment Department to test area wells, with an EPA official or contractor at each site.

Seven testing teams were deployed by the NMED in conjunction with the EPA Tuesday.

“Although the Gold King Mine Spill’s heavy metals plume has mostly passed through the area, the sediments left behind are capable of influencing groundwater quality,” said New Mexico Environment Secretary Ryan Flynn.

WATER ISSUES HIT HARDEST IN AZTEC

What do you do if the water in your house can’t be used to drink, wash or really be used to do anything? Residents of San Juan County are finding out just how tough that can be this week.

“We have the water, but we can’t use it,” said Leslee Lobato. She is a lifelong resident of Aztec and lives in the house her grandmother made a home many years ago.

Tuesday Lobato took a sample of her well water to be tested for contamination.

“I didn’t even know and I found out yesterday to get my water checked. I have already taken a shower, I have already watered the dogs, and I’m like, ‘oh my gosh, nobody told me, I didn’t know,'” she said.

The New Mexico Environment Department is testing water for well users. All you have to do is drop off a sample of at least a quart and they will let you know if your water is safe to drink. But understandably, the wait is longer than residents would like.

Lobato was told it could take a week. The NMED says they have about 400 samples either being tested or in the process.

For people that can’t use the water, there are water stations across the county and places to shower if need be.

“I did take a shower this morning and I shouldn’t have because I probably have arsenic on me; I don’t know,” said Lobato.

Even though river water is looking clearer, officials say to stay away, and municipal water systems remain safe to drink.

“That’s our main water source. This county survives on the San Juan and Animas and I don’t know what we are going to do… I’m worried,”

So far Aztec is the only city with water restrictions. But other communities are encouraging conservation to make sure there is enough water to last through this crisis.

“We need more help.”

We have a full list of places to get safe water for free as well as locations with free shower here.

New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas, Farmington Mayor Roberts, Bloomfield Mayor Eckstein and San Juan County officials will join Colorado and Utah’s attorney generals for a site visit and discussion of the Gold King Mine spill and the legal oversight that will be necessary for the future.

-Originally published at KOB.com