Grand Canyon National Park to re-implement water conservation measures

PHOENIX — Grand Canyon National Park announced Saturday that it will re-implement mandatory water conservation measures on both the North and South rims of the park, effective immediately.

A pipeline break in the inner canyon along the North Kaibab Trail discovered Saturday has resulted in a diminished water supply leading to the restrictions, according to a press release.

Grand Canyon’s water supply comes from a Roaring Springs pipeline 3,500 feet below the North Rim. Water stops flowing when the aging pipeline leaks, and the park relies on storage tanks to provide ample water.

The park requires residents and visitors to reduce water usage in homes, hotel rooms and campgrounds.

The measures include no watering lawns or plants, no washing cars or boats, limited hours for showers and laundry for campers, removing hoses when not in use and reporting drips or leaks, according to the release.

All concessions operations will switch to disposable dishes and utensils to avoid washing dishes and menus will be altered for less water in food preparation.

Drinking water is turned off at Mile-and-a-Half and Three-Mile rest houses, Cottonwood Campground and day use area and Manzanita rest area, according to the release.

The park recommends bringing extra water and a treatment system to filter creek water on hikes and backpacking trips.

Grand Canyon National Park lifted implemented water restrictions at the South Rim on July 22 due to diminished water resources after a valve installed at Pipe Creek failed. Those restrictions lifted on Aug. 1.