Grand Canyon National Park initiates water conservation measures for visitors, park staff, vendors

Stock Image | Grand Canyon National Park stock image | St George News

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – Visitors to Grand Canyon National Park this weekend will see the implementation of mandatory water conservation measures due to diminished water resources and storage on the South Rim.

FILE – Roaring Springs provides drinking water to both the North and South Rims of Grand Canyon National Park, undated | Photo courtesy of the National Park Service, St. George News

Effective this weekend – Aug. 5-7 – this measure is a reversal from earlier this week when water restrictions were lifted, as park managers have learned that storage tanks on the rim are not refilling at a sustainable rate.

Water conservation measures require all park residents and visitors to conserve and reduce water usage wherever possible in homes, hotel rooms and at the campgrounds, according to a news release from the National Park Service.

Conservation measures require that all concessions operations switch to disposable dishes and utensils, alter menus to use less water for food prep and dishwashing, adopt low water use for hotel room cleaning and serve drinking water at restaurants by request only.

Though Grand Canyon National Park has entered water restrictions, park staff continue to encourage frequent hand washing for at least 20 seconds using soap and water to prevent the spread of disease.

According to the NPS press release, mandatory water conservation includes:

  • No watering lawns/plants
  • No washing cars, boats, bikes or any outside vehicle
  • Run dishwashers or washing machines with only full loads (in eco mode if available)
  • Utilize dry precleaning methods to scrap off food items before thoroughly washing dishes.
  • Fill the sink with water while washing dishes to avoid running water
  • Take shorter or less frequent showers
  • Turn off the water while you shave or brush your teeth
  • Use low water cleaning techniques and reduce toilet flushing to the minimum necessary
  • Camper Services may implement limited hours for showers and laundry services
  • Employee and concessionaire laundromats may implement limited hours
  • Report drips, leaks, or other water loss to appropriate offices
  • Remove outside hoses from spigots when not in use

For the most up-to-date information on water availability in the inner canyon, please visit the park’s Critical Backcountry Updates page.

 

 

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