Grand Canyon National Park to Temporarily Close Overnight Hotel Accommodations Due to Waterline Repairs and Restrictions Starting August 29

**Grand Canyon National Park Update: Waterline Repairs and Temporary Lodging Closures**

**Date:** September 1, 2024
**Contact:** [Joelle Baird](https://www.nps.gov/common/utilities/sendmail/sendemail.cfm?o=4C97D8BAA2C3BABE98B21090F811ADAC4F8F55AF52A69FD15810B8&r=/grca/learn/news/temporary-closure-of-hotel-accomodations.htm), 928-638-7779

**September 1, 2024 Update:**

Crews at Grand Canyon National Park are making significant progress in restoring full water availability after a series of four major breaks in the 12½ mile-long Transcanyon Waterline. On August 29, the park implemented Stage 4 water restrictions, which included the temporary suspension of overnight hotel services.

The essential repairs have been completed, and the waterline has been successfully repressurized. The park is closely monitoring the system to ensure the repairs hold and that no new breaks occur as regular water flow resumes.

It will take several days of uninterrupted water pumping to restore sufficient water levels in the park’s holding tanks, allowing for a potential transition to Stage 3 water restrictions. If all goes well, regular water services and full-service overnight lodging could resume by next weekend.

We appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation during this time.

**August 30, 2024 Update:**

Due to ongoing water supply challenges, Grand Canyon National Park has implemented Stage 4 water restrictions, resulting in the temporary closure of overnight lodgings on the South Rim.

➡️ [For details on current restrictions, campground status, and visitor services, visit our updated FAQ page.](https://cms.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/current-water-restrictions-faq.htm)

**August 29, 2024 News Release:**

Starting the afternoon of Thursday, August 29, Grand Canyon National Park will enforce Stage 4 water restrictions on the South Rim due to four significant breaks in the Transcanyon Waterline, which supplies water to the park. Since July 8, the park has faced ongoing water supply issues, and currently, no water is being pumped to either the South or North Rim.

In response, the following measures will be implemented on the South Rim:

– **Overnight Guest Lodging:** Effective Thursday, August 29, all park concessions will halt overnight accommodations. This includes hotel facilities operated by Xanterra, such as El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge, Maswik Lodge, and Phantom Ranch, as well as Delaware North’s Yavapai Lodge and Trailer Village. Lodging outside the park in Tusayan remains unaffected.

– **Dry Camping:** Only dry camping will be permitted. Spigot access at South Rim campgrounds will be turned off, though faucets in bathrooms will remain operational. Water spigot access will be available at the Mather Campground check-in kiosk.

– **Fire Restrictions:** No fires will be allowed on the South Rim and inner canyon areas. This includes all wood-burning and charcoal fires, campfires, warming fires, and charcoal barbecues. [More information on fire restrictions can be found here.](https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/management/fireinformation.htm)

– **Operational Services:** The park will remain open for day use. All South Rim food and beverage services, the Grand Canyon Clinic, and the Post Office will remain open. The North Rim’s Grand Canyon Lodge and other visitor services, such as the Campground, will also remain open.

These measures are essential to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources. The goal is to restore full operational status for overnight guests on the South Rim as soon as possible.

Existing water conservation measures remain in place for both the North and South Rims. Residents and visitors are urged to help conserve water by limiting showers to five minutes or less, turning off faucets while shaving or brushing teeth, flushing toilets selectively, washing laundry with full loads, and reporting leaks to the appropriate offices.

Backcountry hikers must carry all necessary water or methods to treat water. For the most updated information on water availability in the backcountry, visit the park’s [Critical Backcountry Updates webpage.](https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/trail-closures.htm)

The Transcanyon Waterline, originally built in the 1960s, provides potable water for facilities on the South Rim and inner canyon. The waterline has exceeded its expected lifespan and frequently experiences failures, requiring expensive and continuous maintenance. Since 2010, there have been over 85 major breaks that have disrupted water delivery. The National Park Service has recently begun a multi-year, $208 million rehabilitation of the Transcanyon Waterline and upgrades to the associated water delivery system. This crucial investment will ensure the park can meet the water supply needs of six million annual visitors and approximately 2,500 year-round residents.

The project is expected to be completed in 2027. The [Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA)](https://www.nps.gov/subjects/infrastructure/gaoa.htm) is providing more than $40 million to replace the South Rim Wastewater Treatment Plant, which services visitor, staff, lodging, and support facilities. GAOA is part of a broader effort by the National Park Service to address extensive deferred maintenance and repair needs in national parks.

For ongoing updates, visit the [Grand Canyon National Park Operations Update webpage](https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/grand-canyon-national-park-public-health-update.htm) or call the recorded information line at (928) 638-7688.

**-NPS-**

Source: nps.gov

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