PHOENIX — Grand Canyon National Park has announced additional water restrictions for the South Rim following the discovery of a second break in the Transcanyon Waterline along the North Kaibab Trail on Wednesday.
The latest disruption has forced officials to implement stricter conservation measures, including:
- Shutting off water spigots at Mather Campground starting Saturday.
- Closing the Camper Services building, which provides showers and laundry facilities, until further notice.
- Enacting fire restrictions to preserve remaining water resources.
Current Water Conservation Measures
This is the second major waterline break in recent weeks, with the first incident occurring before Thanksgiving. Mandatory water restrictions already in place for residents, visitors, and park operations include:
- Limiting toilet flushing to the minimum necessary.
- Turning off water while shaving or brushing teeth.
- Taking shorter and less frequent showers.
- Prohibiting the washing of vehicles, boats, or bikes.
- Scraping food from dishes before washing and using filled sinks instead of running water.
- Reporting leaks or drips to park authorities immediately.
Concessions have also adapted their operations, with restaurants serving water only upon request and menus modified to reduce water-intensive preparation.
Impact on Backcountry Hikers
Hikers venturing into backcountry areas are advised to carry sufficient water or be prepared with methods to treat water, as availability remains critically limited.
Looking Ahead
Water restrictions will remain in place until repairs are completed, and storage tanks return to sustainable levels. The National Park Service has not provided a timeline for when normal operations might resume.
These intensified efforts underscore the urgency of addressing the South Rim’s water supply challenges and preserving resources for visitors and the environment alike.
