What is happening to the drinking water in Pinnacles National Park?

The drinking water in Pinnacles National Park has turned brown and has a peculiar smell, according to a visitor's report.

How is the federal government shutdown affecting Pinnacles National Park?

The government shutdown has led to reduced staffing at Pinnacles National Park, with a maintenance worker who normally checks the water spigots every few days no longer performing this task.

What concerns have been raised about the safety of Pinnacles National Park during the shutdown?

The National Parks Conservation Association has warned that it is "dangerous" to allow Americans to use the parks at present due to staffing and resource issues caused by the government shutdown.

Home / Environment / Pinnacles National Park's Water Turns Brown and Foul-Smelling Amid Government Shutdown

Pinnacles National Park's Water Turns Brown and Foul-Smelling Amid Government Shutdown

22 Oct

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Summary

Drinking water in California's Pinnacles National Park has turned brown and has a peculiar smell.
The National Park Service was unaware of the issue until a visitor reported it.
Reduced staffing due to the federal government shutdown is blamed for the water quality problem.

Pinnacles National Park's Water Turns Brown and Foul-Smelling Amid Government Shutdown

As of October 22nd, 2025, Pinnacles National Park in California is facing a water quality crisis, with reports of the drinking water turning brown and having a peculiar smell. According to the information, a visitor named Andrew Snow, who was set to lead a week of outdoor activities for 50 middle school students, noticed the discolored water and approached a camp host about the issue.

The camp host informed Snow that the maintenance worker who typically checks the water spigots every few days was not carrying out this task due to the federal government shutdown. The host advised Snow to "rig something up and leave the spigot open for about an hour" to flush the system.