Water unavailable at BLM rec sites due to federal cuts

COEUR d'ALENE - If you are planning to take in the views along the Bureau of Land Management's Mineral Ridge National Recreation Trail or planning to enjoy a picnic at BLM's Beauty Bay site, you'll need to bring some drinking water with you this summer.

The water systems at both locations are not functioning and because of budget impacts from federal cuts, funding to fix them is not available.

To further complicate getting the water systems operational, the BLM's Coeur d'Alene office is unable to conduct the necessary bi-weekly water sampling in order to meet the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality drinking water standards due to a lack of personnel.

Implementation of sequestration resulted in a 50 percent reduction in staffing for the recreation department. Therefore, the BLM's ability to conduct these required tests and ensure public health and safety is jeopardized. For these reasons, the field office asks that visitors planning to use either of these areas bring their own water along.