Officials trying to pinpoint river's contamination

ST. LOUIS -- While the Jacks Fork River is safe for recreational use, a government agency is testing water in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways to see if it can find the source of bacterial contamination.

Horse trails, camping and recreation enthusiasts, septic tanks, even cattle may be contributing to elevated levels of fecal coliform bacteria in a portion of the river by Eminence, in south-central Missouri.

About eight miles of the river have been placed on a list of the state's impaired waters, and the latest tests were done on water from above Alley Spring to the confluence of the Current River.

The river is in a national park, so for that reason, government officials said, they're working particularly hard to keep the water clean.

The United States Geological Survey, a government organization, found incidences of high bacterial contamination in a recent study.

"In terms of the normal water quality, it's usually very good," said Mark Newell, a USGS spokesman. "We did notice a spike in the bacteria when there were trail rides."

That's one possible culprit: The thousands of horseback riders who take to the trails each summer. Horse manure found along the trail can easily wash into the river when it rains.

A wastewater treatment plant in Eminence was ruled out as a possible contamination source, Newell said.

The Department of Natural Resources has taken abatement action against Cross County Trail Rides, a business that organizes large trail rides, which has appealed that action.

William Beteta, management assistant for Ozark National Scenic Riverways, said, "Our feeling is that the water is safe. There is no threat to resources at this point."