In Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, the water pipeline serving the South Rim has sustained four significant breaks, leading to the closure of hotels in the area through the Labor Day holiday. The Transcanyon Water Distribution Pipeline, constructed in the 1960s, spans 12.5 miles and supplies water from Roaring Springs on the North Rim to the Havasupai Gardens pump station before reaching the South Rim. This pipeline caters to over 2,000 residents, park staff, employees, and the millions of annual park visitors. The pipeline also services over 800 historic buildings within the park.
The aging infrastructure of the pipeline, which has surpassed its expected lifespan, experiences frequent weak spots that result in leaks and breaks. Repairs for each break average around $25,000. The steel pipeline leading to the North Rim, from the 1930s, is vulnerable to rock falls and freezing during winter, requiring substantial costs for maintenance and repair. Over the years, there have been more than 85 major breaks disrupting water delivery within the park.
To address the ongoing issues with the water pipeline, the National Park Service has initiated a $208 million rehabilitation project to upgrade the waterline and its associated delivery system. This extensive project, underway since 2010, is expected to be completed by 2027. The maintenance of the pipeline has been a top priority for the park, with engineering studies conducted, and a portion of park entrance fees allocated to cover the costs of the upgrades and repairs.
Despite the challenges posed by the aging infrastructure of the water pipeline, efforts are being made to ensure the sustainable and reliable delivery of water to Grand Canyon National Park for both residents and visitors alike.
