A pipeline break along Grand Canyon National Park’s North Kaibab Trail has triggered a mandatory water conservation measures for all residents, visitors, and park operations.
Grand Canyon National Park is currently undergoing a Transcanyon Waterline (TCWL) replacement project to address ongoing issues with the pipeline which has had 85 major breaks since 2010.
Water conservation measures include taking shorter and less frequent showers, refraining from washing vehicles and turning off the faucet when shaving or brushing teeth.
Grand Canyon National Park is implementing mandatory water conservation measures for the South Rim, effective immediately. These measures are in response to a pipeline break along the North Kaibab Trail, which has impacted the park’s water supply.
To help conserve water, all residents, visitors, and park operations are urged to reduce water usage wherever possible, including in homes, hotel rooms, and campgrounds. These efforts are critical to maintaining water availability while still ensuring public health and safety.
Mandatory water conservation measures include:
- Use low water cleaning techniques and reduce toilet flushing to the minimum necessary.
- Turn water off while you shave or brush your teeth.
- Take shorter or less frequent showers.
- No washing cars, boats, bikes, or any outside vehicle.
- Utilize dry precleaning methods to scrape off food items before thoroughly washing dishes.
- Fill the sink with water while washing dishes to avoid running water.
- Report drips, leaks, or other water loss to appropriate offices.
Conservation measures require that all concessions operations:
- Alter menus to use less water for food prep and dish washing.
- Adopt low water use for hotel management while still ensuring cleanliness and hygiene for guests.
- Serve drinking water at restaurants by request only.
Hikers in the backcountry should plan to carry sufficient water or be prepared with methods to treat water. Water is currently unavailable at the Manzanita Rest Area.
For the most updated information on water availability in the backcountry, visit the park’s Critical Backcountry Updates web page at https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/trail-closures.htm.