Re: Deep Creek to be protected as Wild River

One more may apply, Paul:

Water Quality.

Consistent with the Clean Water Act, water quality in wild, scenic and recreational river areas will be maintained or, where necessary, improved to levels which meet Federal criteria or federally approved State standards for aesthetics and fish and wildlife propagation. River managers will work with local authorities to abate activities within the river area which are degrading or would degrade existing water quality.


From the Forest Service web page:

Due to the large number of visitors to the Hot Springs, human and organic pollution are increasing in the Deep Creek drainage. The highest fecal coliform counts are found in the Hot Springs area.
Do not drink the water!

The Hot Springs pools of Deep Creek contain a rare and sometimes fatal disease called primary amoebic meningoeucephalitis. The disease is apparently contained in contaminated soil and transmitted to the Hot Springs pools as the warm water flows through and over the soil. It is advisable not to submerse your head.

Mojave