New Grand Canyon flood damages water system crews were rebuilding after deadly storm

A second flash flood tore through the Grand Canyon’s Bright Angel Canyon on Wednesday, damaging the temporary water infrastructure crews were building to restore service after a deadly flood struck the same area less than three weeks ago.

No injuries were reported.

The National Park Service said it had pulled back most workers from the canyon ahead of the storm, and those still in the area reached safety before floodwaters arrived.

The flood damaged a temporary water intake on Bright Angel Creek that was under construction to help get water flowing again to the South Rim.

The Transcanyon Waterline, a 12.5-mile pipeline that is the sole water supply for millions of annual visitors, was roughly 40% damaged or destroyed in the Aug. 29 flood that killed three people and forced the evacuation of dozens more.

New pipeline infrastructure on the south side of the canyon was not damaged in either flood, and officials said work continues to bring it online.

Stage 4 water restrictions remain in effect on the South Rim, where visitors are asked to bring their own drinking water and use portable restrooms and handwashing stations deployed throughout the area.

The park remains open on both rims, though inner canyon areas are closed. Wednesday’s storm also brought heavy rain across the Valley.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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