Water in Colorado county back to 'pre-event conditions' after toxic mining spill

EPA says water quality data shows Animas River water in La Plata County is back to normal but impact of heavy metal load in river sediment could last years

Environmental Protection Agency administrator Gina McCarthy said late Wednesday that data shows water quality in one affected Colorado county has "returned to pre-event conditions" following a toxic mining spill in the Animas River.

The Colorado department of public health and environment also said on Wednesday that people in the city of Durango can now drink water from the Animas River.