Imta: 45% of national water contaminated

Forty-five percent of Mexico's water resources are contaminated by iron, manganese, arsenic and industrial chemical substances, the country's water technology institute (Imta), a branch of the environment ministry Semarnat, said in a report quoted by Reforma. Imta found 5% of ground water has an adequate quality level, 50% a medium-quality level and 45% contaminated. The problem is partially caused by overexploitation of the country's aquifers, the paper added. The water comes into contact with various minerals including arsenic in its natural form deep underground, where it is reached by overexploitation. In this case the problem is not considered man-made, though water can still be treated to avoid causing health problems. The Imta information contradicts a publication by the national water commission (CNA) released one year ago, which states 7% of national water is highly contaminated.