After examining water quality samples locally and from up river states following the Gold King Mine spill, officials do not expect mine contaminants to greatly impact Arizona water.
Coordinating with Utah officials, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) analyzed samples taken nearly 100 miles upriver of Lake Powell in the San Juan River.
The data suggests that water quality conditions are generally consistent with pre-spill conditions. Additionally, ADEQ has measured it’s own samples of water in comparison to historical levels and standards.
It does not expect the spill to have short- or long-term negative impacts to either Lake Powell or downstream in the Colorado River.
As remnants of the spill disperse into the lake, it is worth remembering the full contaminant volume would only equate to 71 millionths of a percent of the water currently in Lake Powell.
Click The Map To See The Path Of Wastewater
More Gold King Mine Coverage
- Navajo Farmers Worry About Future Seasons
- Navajo Farmers Air Frustrations To EPA Over Wastewater Spill
- EPA Addresses Wastewater Spill With Community In Farmington, New Mexico
- Arizona Agencies Prepare To Test Incoming Contaminated Water, Consider Long-Term Effects
- ADEQ: Waste From Abandoned Arizona Mines Less Likely To Cause Big Problems
- Scientists Worry, Wait As Contaminated Water Approaches Glen Canyon Area
- Navajo Farmers Watch Crops Dry Up In Wake Of Mine Wastewater Spill
- Navajo President Threatens To Sue EPA Over Mine Spill
- CAP Official: Mine Contaminants Likely Won't Affect Arizona Water Supply
- Officials: Impact Of Contaminated Wastewater On Lake Powell, Colorado River Unknown
- Contaminated Water From Colorado Mine Headed For Lake Powell
- EPA Releases Mine Waste Into Colorado's Animas River
