Crew member assesses pipeline damage. (NPS Photo)
GRAND CANYON — Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park will implement mandatory Level 2 water conservation measures due to diminished water resources. At Level 2, 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.
Mandatory water conservation includes not watering lawns/plants or washing cars; filling the sink with water while washing dishes; reporting drips, leaks, or other water loss to appropriate offices; turning off the water while you shave or brush your teeth; running dishwashers or washing machines with only full loads- in eco mode if available; and taking shorter showers. All visitors and residents must implement water conservation measures immediately in homes, hotel rooms, and at the campgrounds.
Since Tuesday, July 19, Grand Canyon’s Water Utilities crew have been working to fix a total of four leaks along the Transcanyon Pipeline on the North Kaibab and Bright Angel trails.
A valve installed at Pipe Creek has failed, resulting in the inability to fully pressurize the Transcanyon Pipeline. A new valve will be installed, and research is underway to determine the cause of the failure. Water pressure is being continually monitored and gradually charged, and repairs are in progress.
Water at Phantom Ranch and North Rim are unaffected. Water conservation is still important due to the situation on the South Rim as well as the current wildfire on the North Rim.
Day hikers and backpackers should be prepared to carry all drinking water or be able to filter or treat creek water for drinking purposes. South Rim is operating under water conservation measures.
The National Park Service encourages all hikers to be prepared and to Hike Smart. More information is available on the park website at http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/hike-tips.htm
— 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.