The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tested water and sediment in Lake Powell, including the San Juan arm of Lake Powell. Testing was conducted to assess contaminant levels resulting from the Gold King Mine spill. All contaminants tested met drinking water standards and sediment results met recreational screening levels as well. Sampling results from Lake Powell are posted on the EPA website at http://www2.epa.gov/goldkingmine/data-gold-king-mine-response.
No area closures or human safety advisories are currently in effect for Lake Powell. As always, visitors are encouraged to purify Lake Powell water for drinking. The Utah Department Health continues to advise San Juan River users to carry their own drinking water and not rely on filtering or purifying river water. Local communities are open for business, including boat and paddle craft tours and rentals.
Long-term impacts of the Gold King Mine spill in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area are being monitored by the National Park Service, Environmental Protection Agency, United States Geological Survey, Bureau of Reclamation, and the states of Utah and Arizona.
Tags: lake powell san juan river water quality
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
