Mine spill forces federal officials to restrict water supply to towns along 2 rivers

MEXICO CITY – A spill of mining wastewater in northern Mexico is forcing Mexican officials to restrict water supply to cities and towns in the country's north, including the Sonora state capital of Hermosillo.

The National Water Commission says about 40,000 cubic meters (10 million gallons) of water leached during copper mining has entered the Bacanuchi River, which feeds the Sonora River. The state's civil defense office issued a statement on its Facebook page denying rumors that the contamination from the mine in Cananea includes cyanide.

Sunday's statement by the water agency says towns affected include Arizpe, Banamichi, San Felipe de Jesus, Aconchi, Baviacora and Ures, as well as Hermosillo. However, it says the capital receives only 3 percent of its water from the river.