Additional water restrictions implemented at Grand Canyon South Rim

PHOENIX — Grand Canyon National Park officials are increasing water restrictions at the South Rim after a second recent pipeline break.

The latest Transcanyon Waterline break was discovered Wednesday along the North Kaibab Trail.

As a result, the Mather Campground water spigots will be turned off Saturday and fire restrictions will be implemented.

In addition, the Camper Services building operated by Delaware North, which has showers and laundry machines, will close Saturday until further notice.

What Grand Canyon water restrictions were already in place?

The park’s water supply was already limited by a pipeline break that occurred before Thanksgiving weekend along the North Kaibab Trail. That prompted officials to announce mandatory water conservation methods for the South Rim on Nov. 26.

Residents, visitors and park operations are being urged to reduce their water consumption across homes, hotel rooms and campgrounds through the following mandatory measures:

• Use of low water cleaning techniques.
• Reducing toilet flushing to the minimum necessary.
• Turning water off while shaving and tooth brushing.
• Taking shorter and less frequent showers.
• The washing of cars, boats, bikes or any outside vehicle is prohibited.
• Scraping food items off dishes before washing them.
• Filling the sink with water while washing dishes.
• Reporting drips, leaks or other water loss to appropriate offices.

In addition, concessions operations are required to change menus to reduce the amount of water needed for food prep and dish washing. Plus, restaurants are only serving drinking water when requested.

While the restrictions are in place, backcountry hikers should be sure to carry enough water or be prepared to provide water treatment if necessary.

The water restrictions will stay in place until the pipeline is fixed and storage tanks reach sustainable levels.

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