Grand Canyon to reopen hotels after failed main water supply forces closures

Over the summer, the NPS said the park has experienced significant issues with the Transcanyon Waterline, a 12.5-mile-long waterline that supplies water to the park.

Hotels on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park will reopen Thursday after park officials temporarily suspended overnight accommodations days before Labor Day weekend.

Over the summer, the NPS said the park has experienced significant issues with the Transcanyon Waterline, a 12.5-mile-long waterline that supplies water to the park. Until repairs to the waterline were made last week, no water was being pumped to either the South or North Rim.

They added that the park’s water storage was rapidly dropping to unsustainable levels.

Now that the repairs have been completed, overnight accommodations in the South Rim will resume operations under Stage 3 water restrictions. The NPS noted transitioning to Stage 3 will help normalize park operations while helping preserve available water resources.

"We appreciate the cooperation and patience of our visitors and community members as we work to restore these vital visitor services," officials said.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

The following lodges and facilities are now open and are taking reservations:

  • El Tovar
  • Bright Angel Lodge
  • Maswik Lodge
  • Phantom Ranch
  • Yavapai Lodge
  • Trailer Village

Park officials asked visitors, along with area residents, to take the following measures to help conserve water:

  • Limit showers to five minutes or less.
  • Turn off faucets while shaving or brushing teeth.
  • Flush toilets selectively.
  • Wash laundry with full loads.
  • Report leaks to the NPS.