LAKE POWELL — A canyon on the shore of Lake Powell is closed after witnesses told the National Park Service that about 20 people on a houseboat illegally left human waste there.
A portion of the shore in Padre Bay's Kane Creek Canyon has been closed since June 28. Park officials said it's unsafe for camping and other activities because of potential exposure to human feces.
The waste is a problem because the water level fluctuates 20-50 feet in a given year, the National Park Service said in a prepared statement
"A beach that was out of the water and good for camping may be under water later," the statement says. Waves can release buried waste, causing it to mingle with the water.
The mess will be a "significant challenge" to clean, and could be a health hazard for more than a month, park officials said. They are investigating the report of illegal dumping.
In order to camp within a quarter-mile of the shore, Lake Powell requires visitors to have a portable toilet system that does not use plastic bags, which can clog designated park waste plumbing.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area has floating restrooms, but they can be dangerous to travel to after dark, the park service said.
A new pump system opened Friday in the park to keep up with demand.
“Lake Powell is one of the cleanest reservoirs in the United States. We need everyone's efforts to help us keep it that way," Superintendent William Shott said.
His agency urges people to text reports of violations or concerns to 928-614-0820.