It has been seven months since the Gold King Mine Spill just north of Durango and we are still receiving phone calls and e-mails asking about the aftermath of the Gold King Mine spill on the Animas river. Most of the questions are about water safety. Is the water safe to play in, have the fish and marine life died, and the biggest, is the water safe to drink? The pictures of the river right after the spill were horrific. The color was that of French’s mustard. It has a horrible situation that wasn’t catastrophic, however, the media did make it sound like Durango was just ruined. If you read the articles we were forever going to be drinking mustard water, glow in the dark, and sprout an additional head for starters! Well, it took about 4 or 5 days after the spill and the river was once again open for business. I admit, I was holding my breath worrying about the fish population but it didn’t seem to any effect on their well being. They are still swimming around eagerly looking for their next meal. The majority of Durango’s drinking water comes from, you guessed it, the Florida River. And wouldn’t you know that the O-Bar-O is situated right on the Florida river! The Florida is one of the rivers that has never been mined on in the area. After we get first crack at it, literally, it supplies Durango and farther on the ranchers and Southern Ute. The water coming from the Florida has to be the tastiest water available. Maybe I should bottle it? Bottom line is Durango, the Las Animas river and O-Bar-O Cabins have survived the Gold King Mine spill. So, don’t believe everything you hear in the news. Durango is still an incredible place to come for vacation. The O-Bar-O is situated right on the banks of the Florida river about 12 miles from downtown Durango. The O-Bar-O gets first dibs on the best drinking water you will ever taste. Fresh and Rocky Mountain cold! If you are still a little unsure of the spill, please call us. We can help put your mind at ease. We look forward to seeing you soon for a little Rocky Mountain Relaxation at the O-Bar-O Cabins.
