You are here

Essential Paddling Guide: Rio Grande River Grapples With High Salinity, Bacteria Loads

Share

Published Date

March 31, 2014
Alternate Text
Careful monitoring of the Rio Grande, here flowing through Santa Elena Canyon, is needed to keep it healthy./Rebecca Latson

Born in southwestern Colorado'™s San Juan Mountains, the Rio Grande pulls in the currents from the Pecos and Chonchos rivers, and that of lesser tributaries, as it builds its international reputation. And while a nearly 200-mile stretch of the river carries a 'œwild and scenic' designation, stresses and strains have exacted a toll on it.

Running as it does through the desert Southwest, the Rio Grande often runs low; it'™s estimated that only about 20 percent of its natural input reaches the Gulf of Mexico. But the river also is stressed by high salinity and bacteria, including fecal coliform and E. Coli, in places.

Big Bend National Park and the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River claim 245 miles of this renowned river. And while many of those miles wend their way through rugged and remote canyon country, sections of the river nevertheless are on the state of Texas'™ list of impaired water bodies. The primary concern is high total dissolved solids (high salinity), but bacteria can be a problem in the very upper reach.

National Park Service officials note that 'œthe quality of water in the Rio Grande through the Big Bend region is highly variable.' Monthly testing over the years has demonstrated that bacteria levels rise after rainstorms, a phenomenon thought to be tied to animal wastes and other pollutants washed down tributaries and into the main river. While bacteria levels fall during low river flows, that'™s when high salinity levels return, notes the Park Service.

That said, water quality in the river as it flows through the national park and its adjacent state park is not an obstacle for paddlers. But vigilance must be ongoing to see water quality issues don'™t become a problem for them.

'œThe Rio Grande is constantly trying to supply water to a human population that demands more and more,' says Suzanne Dixon, who heads the National Parks Conservation Association'™s Texas regional office. 'œRainfall is uncertain, groundwater resources are threatened, and recreational boating here in Big Bend is dependent on both. But despite the ever-increasing demands and threats to this river, the river still flows year-round and offers itself up once again, this time to people who love to paddle on rivers.'

Recent Park Service studies point to 'œoutstanding recreational values' along the Wild and Scenic River stretch of the Rio Grande, values which add to our knowledge about this river stretch administered by Big Bend National Park. Recent research publications about the river continue to publish and expand our knowledge of this river.

Yet no matter how unique and precious we view this river, it needs more of our attention and understanding to be able to absorb the demands made upon it. You can help improve the Rio Grande'™s health by volunteering at the annual river cleanup day held in Big Bend National Park and in the Big Bend Ranch State park. And if you live in the region, conserve water resources.

Volunteer opportunities also exist within the park to work with visitors and scientists seeking to learn about and restore the Rio Grande and manage/assist park visitors to enjoy this resource.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.