Town concerned about orange-colored water contaminating local river

The Animas River in Farmington has turned orange due to the breach at the Gold King Mine, as water contaminated with iron and other metals flows through the area, according to KOAT.

Officials are asking residents to stay out of the water until the contamination is cleared. The area is popular for tubing and other recreational activities.

Farmington officials have shut all intake pumps to protect the city’s water supply, so drinking water will not be affected by the breach.

The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish will monitor the health of the fish in the river.