Primary pump failure in Grand Canyon pipeline leads to mandatory water conservation measures

December 29, 2017 Utah Channel 3

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK — Park officials have implemented water conservation measures at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona after a water pump failed.

The mandatory “Level 2” conservation measures issued Friday require all park residents, employees and visitors to abide by several water-saving directives.

In this 2011 file photo, hikers and mule riders reach the top of the Bright Angel Trail, one of the areas affected by water conservation measures in Grand Canyon National Park | Photo by Michael Quinn, courtesy of the National Park Service, St. George News

Areas of the park affected include the South Rim, Desert View and Hermit’s Rest. Water conservation measures must be implemented immediately in homes, hotel rooms and campgrounds, according to a news release issued by the National Park Service.

Mandatory water conservation includes not watering lawns and plants or washing cars; filling the sink with water while washing dishes; reporting drips, leaks or other water loss to appropriate offices; turning off the water while shaving or brushing teeth; running dishwashers or washing machines with only full loads – in eco mode if available; and taking shorter showers.

Concessions operators must switch to disposable dishes and utensils; alter menus to use less water for food preparation and dishwashing; adopt low water use for hotel room cleaning; and serve drinking water at restaurants by request only.

The measures follow after a water pump in the Transcanyon Pipeline failed at the park’s Indian Gardens area. The primary pump became inoperable, stopping the flow of water to the park’s South Rim.

Crews are scheduled to assess the damage and begin repair work next week.

The North Rim is unaffected and remains closed to visitors until May 15.

Water remains available at Bright Angel Campground at Phantom Ranch and Indian Gardens on the Bright Angel Trail. Faucets at the mile-and-a-half and three-mile rest houses on the Bright Angel Trail remain turned off for the season.

Those planning hikes or backpacking trips are encouraged to carry a way to filter or treat creek water for drinking purposes and continue to stay hydrated even when winter temperatures may be cool. The latest information regarding drinking water sources in the backcountry is available at the park’s backcountry office.

Updates about the water conservation measures will be provided via recorded message to callers at 928-638-7688 as the information becomes available.

Email: jwitham@stgnews.com

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