Santa Cruz County: Sewage No Longer Spilling from Pipeline

Repair work on the underground pipeline began after authorities found the breach on July 25 in a sparsely populated area near Rio Rico, Arizona. The pipe runs from Mexico to Arizona.

Authorities said the pipe broke in the Nogales Wash, which was then contaminated with excessive levels of E. coli. Residents were told to keep out of the Santa Cruz River and livestock owners were told to keep their animals away from it as well.

It’s unclear whether any contamination remains.

Authorities believe the break occurred because excessive rainwater put too much pressure on the pipe.