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Waterline, Sewer Line Breaks Plaguing Death Valley National Park

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Published Date

May 18, 2023

The National Park Service is proposing to spend more than $40 million to replace aged water and sewer systems at Death Valley National Park/NPS file

Age is overtaking water and sewer systems at Death Valley National Park, where the National Park Service is proposing to spend more than $40 million on rebuilding key systems.

Water systems failed 45 times and there were five major sewer leaks last year, according to park staff. The National Park Service has funding from the Great American Outdoors Act to rehabilitate the water and wastewater systems at Furnace Creek and Cow Creek in 2024. The NPS is seeking public feedback on this project proposal.

These water and wastewater systems serve 1.7 million visitors per year at Furnace Creek Visitor Center, Furnace Creek Campground, Sunset Campground, Texas Springs Campground, and The Oasis at Death Valley resort. The systems also serve about 800 residents in Timbisha Shoshone Village, The Oasis at Death Valley, and NPS housing.

The Park Service proposes to rehabilitate the water and wastewater systems at Furnace Creek and Cow Creek, two of the largest utilities in Death Valley National Park. These systems have exceeded their lifespan in the park's extreme environment and will be rehabilitated and replaced.

The proposed improvements will enhance employee and visitor experiences by providing more reliable service. The Park Service plans to add redundancy into the water systems so that potable water service can continue if there is a break in one section of water main. The systems will be designed to support anticipated future visitation levels and potential future facilities.

Modifications will protect natural resources by reducing sewage spills and reducing water loss via pipe seepage and breaks.

The systems will be upgraded to meet regulatory codes.

The public can review and comment on this proposal online at this site.

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