ADEQ Expects No Noticeable Change In Arizona Water Quality After Mine Spill

By Andrew Bernier
Published: Tuesday, August 18, 2015 - 2:58pm
Updated: Tuesday, August 18, 2015 - 3:13pm
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Lake Powell.

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

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