BLM warns of contaminated water in Trueblood WMA

The Bureau of Land Management is urging visitors to the Ted Trueblood Wildlife Management Area to use caution after water test results showed levels of fecal coliform and E. coli bacteria that exceed standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The area is located inside the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (NCA), approximately 28 miles west of Mountain Home.

"We want to inform potential visitors, especially hunters, that water test results are exceeding standards set by the EPA for levels of fecal coliform and E. coli bacteria for primary- and secondary-contact recreation," said Patricia Roller, Manager of the NCA.

Fecal coliform and E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates water that may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. High levels of the microbes can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches or other symptoms.

The BLM has posted signs at access points to the Wildlife Area alerting visitors to the potential short-term health effects and urging caution against accidental ingestion of water.

Thorough hand washing after contact with waters is also recommended.

The BLM is meeting with Idaho Department of Environmental Quality and the EPA to determine what additional actions are needed to identify the source of the contamination and remediation.