Diminished water levels result in water conservation measures. (NPS Photo)
Grand Canyon — Effective this weekend, Grand Canyon National Park will implement mandatory water conservation measures due to diminished water resources and storage on the South Rim. This measure is a reversal from earlier this week when water restrictions were lifted, as park managers have learned that storage tanks on the rim are not refilling at a sustainable rate. Water conservation measures require all park residents and visitors to conserve and reduce water usage wherever possible in homes, hotel rooms, and at the campgrounds.
Conservation measures require that all concessions operations switch to disposable dishes and utensils; alter menus to use less water for food prep and dish washing; adopt low water use for hotel room cleaning; and serve drinking water at restaurants by request only.
Though the Park has entered water restrictions, park staff continue to encourage frequent hand washing for at least 20 seconds using soap and water to prevent the spread of disease.
Mandatory water conservation includes:
• No watering lawns/plants
• No washing cars, boats, bikes or any outside vehicle
• Run dishwashers or washing machines with only full loads (in eco mode if available)
• Utilize dry precleaning methods to scrap off food items before thoroughly washing dishes.
• Fill the sink with water while washing dishes to avoid running water
• Take shorter or less frequent showers
• Turn off the water while you shave or brush your teeth
• Use low water cleaning techniques and reduce toilet flushing to the minimum necessary
• Camper Services may implement limited hours for showers and laundry services
• Employee and concessionaire laundromats may implement limited hours
• Report drips, leaks, or other water loss to appropriate offices
• Remove outside hoses from spigots when not in use
For the most up-to-date information on water availability in the inner canyon, please visit the park’s Critical Backcountry Updates page.
Grand Canyon National Park, in northern Arizona, encompasses 278 miles (447 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. Located on the ancestral homeland of 11 Associated Tribes, Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world—unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors on the rim. Grand Canyon National Park is a World Heritage Site. The National Park Service cares for the special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.