Federally protected lands are alleged to be protected from vital human-caused air pollution, however Grand Canyon Nationwide Park is at nice threat of contamination, as scientists have discovered carcinogenic endlessly chemical compounds and pharmaceutical medication. Whereas it is fixable, the Nationwide Park Service might need a tough time amid finances and staffing cuts.
In December 2025, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Nationwide Park Service (NPS) revealed an assessment report that discovered a number of wastewater-related contaminants of rising concern (CECs) current within the springs alongside the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
The synoptic examine carried out in April 2021 detected per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and pharmaceutical compounds in Shiny Angel Wash, Monument Spring, and Higher Horn Bedrock Spring.
Scientists Discovered Contaminants In Grand Canyon Nationwide Park, However Therapy Is Troublesome
Grand Canyon Nationwide Park, house to the immense Grand Canyon, the world’s most-visited natural wonder, spans greater than 1.2 million acres in northwestern Arizona. Whereas it is federally protected land, the park now quietly carries contaminants: traces of illicit medication and cancer-causing chemical compounds.
Sure, options exist. These chemical compounds will be eliminated, however in keeping with Southwest River Safety Director for American Rivers, Mike Fiebig, who spoke with Outside, these strategies are costly and tough to execute, particularly because the NPS is working underneath finances cuts and restricted workers because of the 2025 authorities shutdown.
The 43-day federal authorities shutdown in 2025 was the longest in U.S. historical past, and nationwide parks had been tremendously affected, particularly when entrance and leisure charges went uncollected.
“Not solely may these trigger issues for the reproductive methods of delicate species, however backcountry recreationists seemingly don’t need to be uncovered to those chemical compounds both, though they’re at low ranges,” stated Fiebig.
Fiebig stated that sources of some contaminants, corresponding to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, will be faraway from the water provide, however prescription drugs, which “typically journey to the wastewater therapy plant by means of urine,” are nonetheless prone to be present in water.
Whereas the Nationwide Park Service is painfully conscious of the contamination within the Grand Canyon, the federal company continues to be powerless to cease it after the funding cuts and workers shortages, leaving the NPS stretched skinny and palms tied.
How Fashionable Air pollution Is Seeping Into Grand Canyon Nationwide Park
Shiny Angel Wash watercourse receives handled wastewater from the South Rim Wastewater Therapy Plant (SRWTP) and is discharged into the dry wash, away from the canyon, however it might have infiltrated the bottom alongside fractures linked to the Shiny Angel Fault, mixing with pure waters, which probably carry contaminants like PFAS and prescription drugs.
These contaminants had been recognized in April 2021 and probably reached Monument Spring, which feeds into the Colorado River, lengthy acknowledged because the lifeblood carving the cathedral partitions of the Grand Canyon, in addition to Higher Horn Bedrock Spring.
Affected Areas In Grand Canyon Nationwide Park
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Shiny Angel Wash |
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Monument Spring |
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Higher Horn Bedrock Spring |
Based on the evaluation, Monument Spring was the one spring within the Grand Canyon that confirmed traces of prescription drugs, corresponding to:
- diphenhydramine (antihistamine)
- carBAMazepine (anticonvulsant or anti-epileptic drug)
- Metformin (diabetes drug)
- Sulfamethoxazole (antibiotic)
- Fluconazole (antifungal)
- Venlafaxine (antidepressant and nerve ache remedy)
These medication had been additionally present in Shiny Angel Wash, however in larger concentrations.
As well as, there have been 5 perfluoroalkyl acids present in Monument Spring, corresponding to:
- Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)
- Perfluoropentanoic acid
- Perfluorooctanoic acid
- Perfluorohexanoic acid
- Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid
The identical acids had been additionally present in Shiny Angel Wash, apart from PFBS, whereas Higher Horn Bedrock Spring confirmed solely the short-chained PFBS and perfluorobutanoic acid compounds.
Nevertheless, the CECs discovered within the water at Monument Spring didn’t exceed consuming water requirements, however a lot of them lack regulatory requirements or authorized benchmarks, so it is onerous to find out whether or not the degrees are acceptable or harmful.
The Results Of These Contaminants On Each Animal And Human Life
The quantities of those contaminants present in Grand Canyon National Park are small, however Fiebig stated the degrees are troubling for wildlife taking refuge within the park and the encircling areas that depend on the canyon’s springs, notably frogs and salamanders that usually come into contact with the water.
Consultants additionally stated that these dangerous chemical compounds can injury hormonal methods that have an effect on sexual growth, fertility, and replica in these animals, even at low-level exposures.
The PFAS’s carbon-fluorine bond is exceptionally sturdy, making them proof against degradation and incomes them the label “endlessly chemical.”
As Fiebig defined, these contaminants will not be solely affecting the animals but in addition park guests, particularly backcountry recreationists. He additionally stated that whereas these CECs are widespread within the nation, it does not imply they’re innocent.
Each polyfluoroalkyl substances and pharmaceutical compounds are linked to well being points, corresponding to most cancers, infertility, liver injury, thyroid points, and lowered vaccine effectiveness.
In such a celebrated nationwide park, the contamination within the Grand Canyon is a narrative of contemporary human negligence — proof that even the protected lands are not insulated from human errors.
The Nationwide Park Service has but to reply to TheTravel’s request for feedback.
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