Based upon construction timetables, the National Park Service Incident Management Team projects the park will be able to start pumping water by Nov. 16 from the Bright Angel[...]

News Release Date: September 19, 2026
Contact:Grand Canyon Office of Communications

Based upon construction timetables, the National Park Service Incident Management Team projects the park will be able to start pumping water by Nov. 16 from the Bright Angel Creek intake to the new water treatment plan. The National Park Service estimates distribution from the new treatment plant to residents will begin by Thanksgiving, allowing concessionaires to begin a phased approach to providing services to overnight guests at that time. These dates are tentative and residents and concessionaires will be notified as construction is completed.

The park is working on an agreement to haul about 200,000 gallons of water per day to replenish the water storage tanks. If finalized, this agreement would stabilize the tank levels and enable the park to maintain operations through the projected date to start pumping, assuming the current water usage of about 137,000 gallons per day stays steady.

Once the pumps start drawing water from the Bright Angel Creek, it will take about 45 days to fully fill the tanks.

It is important to remember that these are all estimated dates and could change as circumstances dictate. The current water emergency was caused by a flash flood on Aug. 29, which destroyed a water intake pump and other infrastructure. The flood caused extensive damage to the legacy Transcanyon Waterline, including approximately 40% of the old pipeline between the Phantom Ranch area and the North Rim. The Bright Angel Creek and Roaring Springs intake areas also sustained significant damage.

While repairs move forward, water conservation remains critical.

Stage 4 water restrictions remain in effect. Visitors and residents are asked to conserve water by using designated portable bathrooms, handwashing stations and potable water tanks. When possible, visitors are asked to bring their own water for drinking and other needs.

Grand Canyon National Park remains open on both the South Rim and North Rim. Visitors should expect modified operations and closures in affected inner-canyon areas and should check current park conditions before traveling. Visitors to the South Rim are encouraged to arrive prepared with drinking water and to conserve water throughout their visit.

Grand Canyon National Park will continue providing updates as work progresses.

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