Federally protected lands are supposed to be largely safe from human-caused pollution, but Grand Canyon National Park is at great risk of contamination, as scientists have found carcinogenic “forever chemicals” and pharmaceutical drugs. While it’s fixable, the National Park Service might have a hard time amid budget and staffing cuts.

In December 2025, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the National Park Service (NPS) published an assessment report that found multiple wastewater-related contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) present in the springs along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

The synoptic study conducted in April 2021 detected per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and pharmaceutical compounds in Bright Angel Wash, Monument Spring, and Upper Horn Bedrock Spring. THE TRAVEL