Grand Canyon News Release - Grand Canyon National Park Announces Increased Water and Fire Restrictions During Infrastructure Work

Contact: Grand Canyon Office of Communications

Grand Canyon National Park will implement Stage 3 Water Restrictions and Stage 2 Fire Restrictions beginning Oct. 31, 2025, in response to limited water availability and construction activities associated with the ongoing Transcanyon Waterline Replacement Project.

A temporary interruption in water pumping is scheduled for Nov. 4 through approximately Nov. 18 to allow crews to replace and test a critical pipeline segment. This work is part of a multi-year effort to modernize the park's aging water delivery system, expected to be completed in 2027.

Stage 3 Water Restrictions Begin Oct. 31

To conserve limited water resources, the park will implement Stage 3 Water Restrictions on the South Rim.

Operational changes include:

• Camper Services at Mather Campground: Closed
• Water Spigots at Mather Campground: Turned off
• Restrooms at Mather Campground: Remain open
• Mather Campground RV Dump and Water Station: Remain open
• Park concessioners and partners: Continuing water-reduction protocols

Visitors, residents, and park staff are asked to practice strict water conservation, including:

• Limiting showers to five minutes or less
• Shutting off faucets while brushing teeth or shaving
• Washing only full loads of laundry and dishes
• Selectively flushing toilets
• Reporting leaks to the appropriate office or staff

Inner Canyon Corridor Water Availability Timeline

Oct. 31 - Nov. 3

Water will be available at:

• 1.5-Mile Resthouse
• 3-Mile Resthouse
• Havasupai Gardens
• Boat Beach (River Trips)
• Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, and the Delta Bathroom (reopening Nov. 1)

Nov. 4 - Approximately Nov. 18

Due to the interruption in water pumping and scheduled winterization, no new water will be transported into the inner canyon or South Rim.

Water will be available at:

• Phantom Ranch (center spigot near the Canteen)
• Havasupai Gardens

Water will not be available at:

• Bright Angel Campground, the Delta Restroom, and Boat Beach
• 1.5-Mile and 3-Mile Resthouses (winterized for the season; will be turned back on in Spring 2026)

Backcountry users are encouraged to:

• Carry reliable water treatment methods
• Plan conservatively
• Note that while drinking water is available at Phantom Ranch, facilities such as restrooms may be limited (e.g., bucket flush systems at Bright Angel Campground)

Plan ahead and check updates at:
https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/trail-closures.htm
For safe water guidance:
https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/safe-water.htm

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions Also Begin October 31

Fire restrictions are directly tied to water availability due to the need for fire suppression resources. Beginning October 31, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions will be in effect across the South Rim, North Rim, and Inner Canyon.

Stage 2 fire restrictions PROHIBIT the following:

• All wood burning and charcoal fires, including campfires, warming fires, and charcoal barbeques are prohibited.
  • Exception: The use of liquid petroleum or LPG fueled devices that can be turned on and off, such as stoves, lanterns, or heating devices are allowed if used in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 3 feet of the device. This prohibition does not apply to the use of any type of fire for the purposes of lighting charcoal for cooking within the Colorado River corridor shoreline.
  • Exception: Operating generators at park residences or at developed campgrounds with an approved spark arresting device in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the generator.
• Outdoor smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material.
• Using explosives or any incendiary device; fireworks are always prohibited on public lands.
• Operating or using any internal combustion engine such as chainsaws, wood splitters, weed eaters, generators, welders, or any other devices that can cause a fire are prohibited. This prohibition does not include street legal vehicles.
  • Exception: Permits for official work with these devices can be granted through the GRCA hot work permit process managed by the Grand Canyon National Park Structure Fire Program.
• Parking off any road must be in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the vehicle.

These restrictions are being implemented in coordination with multiple agencies. The purpose is to reduce the risk of fire to promote public health and safety and to protect resources during this time. These restrictions will remain in effect until significant precipitation falls and fire danger levels subside.

Visitors should recreate responsibly and use extra caution while recreating on public lands when fire danger is increased. Firefighter and public safety remain the highest priority during wildfire season.

About the Project

This water pumping pause supports work on the Transcanyon Waterline Replacement Project, a $208 million, multi-year effort to replace aging infrastructure that delivers potable water across the park. This construction phase is expected to conclude by mid-November 2025, with full project completion projected for 2027.

For ongoing updates related to restrictions, water access, and construction impacts, visit: https://www.nps.gov/grca

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