You are here

Home » Waterline Breaks Force Water Conservation At Grand Canyon National Park

Waterline Breaks Force Water Conservation At Grand Canyon National Park

Share

Published Date

October 3, 2018
Water leak in Grand Canyon's Transcanyon Pipeline/NPS

New leaks in the Transcanyon Waterline at Grand Canyon National Park have forced water conservation measures on staff and visitors/NPS file photo

New breaks in the outdated Transcanyon Waterline at Grand Canyon National Park have forced water conservation measures for staff and visitors while crews work to repair the leaks.

A park release Wednesday said the implemented conservation measures mean guests will be served water only if they ask for it, "low water-use methods" will be used to clean guest rooms, and guests and employees are asked to limit their shower time.

Park businesses have also installed low-flow appliances, which assist with water conservation efforts year-round, the release said. Residents are also reminded to use non-potable water for plants and lawns and to not fill large-capacity water tanks in the park.

Drinking water is available at the following inner canyon locations: Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, Indian Garden, Mile and a Half, and Three Mile rest houses. The South Rim water bottle filling stations- including those at the South Kaibab and Bright Angel trailheads- are turned off. Hikers in the backcountry should plan to carry all their water or methods to treat water. 

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.

The 16-mile Transcanyon pipeline, the sole water supply for the tourist-blanketed South Rim Village, is in terrible shape -- a symptom of the nearly $12 billion maintenance backlog across the U.S. National Park system. Leaks from the 1960s-era pipeline, from dribbles to arcing sprays, threaten the water flow for 6 million annual park visitors, not to mention for fire suppression for hundreds of historic and other park buildings.

Related Stories:

Some Trail News From Grand Canyon National Park
Why Our Nation's Most Vulnerable Species Are At Risk
PEER: National Park Service Should Accelerate Plan To Eliminate Plastics

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Donate Popup

The National Parks Traveler keeps you informed on how politics impact national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.