Waterline breaks force overnight closure at Grand Canyon; $208 million replacement project underway
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. (UI) — Grand Canyon National Park will temporarily suspend overnight lodging on the South Rim beginning Dec. 6 due to major breaks in the park’s aging 12.5-mile Transcanyon Waterline — a critical underground system that delivers water from the inner canyon to the South Rim.
The National Park Service (NPS) said water is currently not being pumped to the South Rim, prompting new restrictions on lodging and camping until repairs are made. While the park remains open for day use, all overnight accommodations inside the park — including Xanterra-operated hotels such as El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge and Maswik Lodge, as well as Delaware North’s Yavapai Lodge and Trailer Village — will close temporarily. Hotels in nearby Tusayan will not be affected.
Dry camping will be permitted at Mather Campground, though spigot access will be turned off. Faucets in bathrooms and at the check-in kiosk will remain available. The park has also prohibited all wood and charcoal fires, including campfires and barbeques.
The waterline failure underscores ongoing infrastructure challenges in one of the nation’s most visited parks. Originally constructed in the 1960s, the Transcanyon Waterline has far exceeded its intended lifespan, requiring frequent and costly repairs.
In 2023, NPS launched a $208 million rehabilitation project to replace the failing system and upgrade the park’s broader water delivery network — an effort aimed at securing reliable water service for 5 million annual visitors and 2,500 year-round residents. The project is expected to be completed in 2027.
“These measures are crucial for ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources,” NPS said in a statement. “The goal is to restore full operational status for overnight guests on the South Rim as quickly as possible.”
South Rim residents are being urged to conserve water by limiting showers, minimizing laundry loads, and reporting any leaks. Hikers are also advised to carry sufficient water or treatment methods when venturing into the backcountry.
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