Los Padres National Forest officials have announced that Kirk Creek campground in Big Sur is now a dry facility. Visitors to the camp site are encouraged to bring an adequate amount of water for use during their stay.

Over the years, the Forest Service has taken a number of steps to upgrade Kirk Creek’s water treatment system in order to meet the state’s water quality standards. When these efforts failed to improve water quality, the decision was made to shut down the Kirk Creek water system to reduce the potential for public health and safety issues.

Two new vault toilets were installed to replace the antiquated, flush-toilet restrooms in anticipation of the water shutoff.

“After exploring our options and assessing the impacts, we have determined the best course of action is to shut off the water as a precaution,” Monterey District Ranger Tim Short said. “While I understand this will inconvenience our visitors, the public safety aspect simply outweighs the alternative.”