The Transcanyon Waterline, the only system providing water to residents and visitors of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, is facing more water restrictions. Officials on the ground are looking to prevent a public drinking water shortage.
When crews noticed a loss of pressure in the waterline Wednesday, a helicopter team flew above to identify a potential break in the system.
Joëlle Baird with the National Park Service said high temperatures in the canyon and the waterline’s age have caused water delivery disruptions. In almost the last 15 years, there have been 85 major breaks in the waterline, according to the service.
“It’s an aging infrastructure; an aging pipeline. The materials themselves are not meant to withstand the extreme environment Grand Canyon has," Baird said.
Her team is optimistic that repairs will prevent further restrictions to take place, but she said the repressurization process could lead to more breaks. Residents and visitors can help by limiting showers to 5 minutes or less and reporting leaks to appropriate offices.
The pipeline's status currently sits at stage three, and preparations are being made for a stage four escalation. That would mean a dry campground enforcement and no overnight hotel guests.
Construction of the new waterline is scheduled to be completed by October 2026.
