Is It Safe to Drink the Water in Yellowstone? Here's an Expert Advice You Should Hear

McCleskey classified the waters of the Yellowstone National Park, adding, “Thermal water should not be used as drinking water.” The first reason why he prohibited travelers from drinking this otherwise mineral-rich water is that the ground that this water travels through, while becoming heated, is not always smooth. It is often laced with chemicals and ingredients that might not be safe for the human body. Elevated concentrations of some of these chemicals, such as arsenic, antimony, mercury, and fluoride, can even have deathly effects when ingested. It’s not just the chemicals. As this water traverses its journey, it often picks up Naegleria, a brain-eating amoeba that can dribble inside the body and really eat up the brain.

However, all this information doesn’t imply that Yellowstone’s waters are cursed by volcanic gods or trippy minerals that might send you into a slumber. According to McClenskey’s hunch, Yellowstone also cradles a wellspring of safe drinking water, especially in its backcountry segment. “When looking to top off your supply, ask yourself, ‘Where does the water come from and is there a thermal area upstream?' Whenever possible, choose a river or stream without thermal waters draining into it. Enjoy the Yellowstone backcountry, and stay safe,” he explained. Hence, the mystery is solved.

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