PHOENIX – Grand Canyon National Park will impose water restrictions on the South Rim Thursday afternoon, temporarily closing overnight accommodations for guests.
On Wednesday, officials announced that Stage 4 water restrictions will go into effect because there are four significant breaks in the Transcanyon water main. The 12-mile-long water main supplies the park with water from the canyon, but since July 8, the park has been experiencing water supply issues that prevent water from being pumped to the North or South Rim.
The park itself remains open for camping and day trips.
The park is implementing four actions at the South Rim that will remain in effect for the foreseeable future, but plans to restore full operational status as soon as possible.
What measures are there?
Overnight accommodation for guests: Starting Thursday, overnight accommodations will be suspended at all park concessions. This includes Xanterra-operated hotel properties such as El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge, Maswik Lodge and Phantom Ranch, as well as Yavapai Lodge and Trailer Village in Delaware North. Overnight accommodations at off-site hotels in the city of Tusayan are not affected by the changes in park operations.
Dry camping:: Only dry camping is permitted. Water faucets will be turned off at South Rim campgrounds, but bathroom faucets will remain operational. Water faucet access is available at the Mather Campground check-in kiosk.
Fires are not allowed on the South Rim or in the Inner Canyon.: Fire restrictions prohibit the burning of wood and charcoal fires, including campfires, warming fires, and charcoal grills.
Operational Services: The park will remain open during the day. All South Rim dining establishments, the Grand Canyon Clinic and the post office will remain open. The Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim and other North Rim visitor operations such as the campground will remain open.
Other existing protective measures implemented before Thursday remain in force.
Park management asks guests to limit showers to five minutes or less, turn off faucets when shaving or brushing teeth, use toilet flushes selectively, wash clothes only with full loads and report any leaks.
Hikers in remote areas must carry all necessary water or methods of water purification.
What is the Transcanyon Waterline?
Built in the 1960s, the pipeline transports water from a water source on the North Rim to the Havasupai Gardens pumping station and then to the South Rim.
According to the National Park Service (NPS), the pipeline has exceeded its expected lifespan and is experiencing frequent failures. The NPS reports that there have been over 85 major breaks in the water main since 2010, resulting in expensive repairs and water interruptions.
The multi-year, $208 million pipeline rehabilitation project recently began, with work scheduled to be completed in 2027.
