Why Is the Puyallup River Brown?

Mount Rainier National Park | National Park Service
Mount Rainier is the “head” of the watershed, with glaciers that contribute water and the glacial flour that turns the Puyallup River brown.

Why is the Puyallup River so dirty?

The pollution was caused by an Electron Hydro construction site that was doing work in-stream and using the artificial turf to create a bypass channel to divert the river away from the site beginning on July 28, 2020, according to the department.

Can you swim in the Puyallup River?

The two streams flow through the western part of Mount Rainier National Park, joining just outside the park boundary and forming the Puyallup River proper. By: needabiggerboat. Swimming beach on Lake Washington, walking trails, playground, and other fun.

Sarah Jenkins

Sarah Jenkins

Senior Technology Editor & AI Specialist

Sarah Jenkins is a veteran tech journalist with over 12 years of experience covering artificial intelligence, mobile innovations, and digital ethics. Her insights have appeared in leading technology publications worldwide.