Another leak was spotted in the Transcanyon Waterline that provided water to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park/NPS file photo

The availability of water at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park continued to worsen Friday as another leak was spotted in the 16-mile-long Transcanyon Waterline and pumping problems were encountered.

Earlier this week the park staff implemented Level 2 water conservation measures due to a series of breaks in the antiquated pipeline. Another leak was spotted Friday morning, park staff said. Additionally, attempts Thursday to pump water beyond Indian Garden failed.

Park staff were assessing the situation Friday and attempting to resolve the problem as quickly as possible. Until park staff repair the break and water in storage tanks reach sustainable levels, the park will remain in conservation mode.

Current water restrictions require the park and its partners to conserve water by adopting low water-use methods by practicing basic water conservation measures at home and at work. Some of these measures include shortening shower times, selective flushing of toilet water, washing full loads of laundry, serving water at restaurants only when requested, and utilizing low water methods to clean hotel rooms and homes.

The park is currently preparing to increase water conservation levels to Level 3, which requires park concessioners to switch to disposable dishes and utensils, closing camper services (showers and laundry), closing the RV dump station and water refill station, turning off water in sinks and providing hand sanitizer in public and office restrooms, and closing or limiting the employee Laundromats.

The public can call 928-638-7688 to listen to a recorded message with updates and additional information about current water restrictions at Grand Canyon's South Rim.

Grand Canyon National Park has a large and complex water utility system that provides water to more than 6 million annual visitors in addition to the 2,500 residents that live in the park.