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Heard there's nitr in that there wate Clean Up of Acid Mine Drainage California Gulch/Yak Tunnel California Gulch, located in Leadvine, is the site of histgric mining, which left large volume, I of mining wastes affecting area soils and the Arkansas River._ EPA, the State of Glilorado and mining companies are working together to clean up lead in soils and acid mine drain age make the - *ans6s.River and soils safe in the `18- 'plus -mile mining district ( www. cdphestate .co_u§/hm/tpcalgulch.asp). In 1986; EPA ektended public water supply aystem -lines to'residences using private wells. Rerr;ealation began in 1988 to minimize tho.flow of acidic water from the Y9k Tunnel, Cleanup consists of a surge pond waf r treatment plant; _and a ground- water Tpriltoring network: The water t6akment plant, began operation in spring 1992.E ?A has designated additional - b�erable Units, and environmental sampli has, been done to address re�edi�on`of Leadville residential areas, surface °and .mind water, and the affected tert4*1'and aquaticenvironnient. "Source area` clesnup activities are also underway t 1pcalitie in Calgq;mia,�Strsy Horse, and d you say Crates? Naturally Occurring and Man -Made Ground -Water Contaminants Water has been called the "universal solvent". As the water from precipitation interacts with the surface and subsurface rock or soil, it dissolves minerals from the rock and soil and may pick up and carry bacteria and man -made pollutants. "Total coliforms" are a group of related bacteria commonly found in water, soil, and animal intestines. The vast majority of coliform bacteria do not cause disease. If coliform bacteria are found in water, however, fecal coliforms and E. coli may also be present. These bacteria are associated with human and animal waste. Though most strains of fecal coliforms and E. soli are harmless, one strain produces a powerful toxin that can cause severe illness. More importantly, the presence of fecal coliform or E. coli in drinking water strongly indicates that the water supply has been recently contaminated with animal or septic waste. Consequently, other disease causing bacteria and viruses that are more difficult to detect, may also be present. Giardia is a microorganism that is more common and problematic in surface water. It is rarely found in individual wells. No amount of Giardia in drinking water is acceptable, and if ingested in any amount may cause severe diarrhea in humans and pets. It may be difficult to diagnose but is relatively easy to treat once identified. Rl