Communities in Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona are struggling to understand the mixed messages and a lack of communication from the federal agency.

Six days after a burst plug shot 3m gallons of toxic mining waste from Gold King Mine into Colorado’s Animas River turning the river Orange. Residents in nearby communities are frustrated with the EPA’s lack of communication about the possible environmental and health impacts of the spill.

A toxic mixture of mercury, arsenic and lead that continues to flow from the old mine is expected to keep communities from accessing water until at least 17 August, when the EPA says it hopes to have more information about what exactly is in the water.