Visitors to Grand Canyon National Park should expect stricter water conservation measures this weekend after a water main burst that affected the park’s water supply.

The pipe burst that occurred earlier this week along the North Kaibab Trail was captured in a photo taken on August 20. Water can be seen spraying from the damaged pipe.

The breach prompted park authorities to take immediate protective measures, particularly on the south rim, while interim steps will be taken on the north rim until repairs are completed and reservoir water levels return to sustainable levels.

“Effective immediately, more stringent water restrictions and protections will be gradually implemented on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park due to a new breach in the Transcanyon Waterline. Interim water protection measures will be initiated on the North Rim,” the National Park Service (NPS) said in a statement.

The following changes have been in effect since Thursday, August 22nd:

• Camper services operated by Delaware North will be closed.
• Water faucets at Mather Campground and Desert View Campground will be turned off.
• Visitors and residents can experience additional water conservation measures during their stay in the park.

These new measures are in addition to existing restrictions that continue to apply to both the North Rim and South Rim.

The park’s employees and partners save water by serving water only upon request, using water-saving methods when cleaning hotel rooms, and implementing basic conservation techniques in their daily lives.

The NPS advises all visitors and residents to help conserve water by limiting showers to five minutes or less, turning off faucets while shaving or brushing teeth, selectively flushing toilets, washing only full loads of laundry, and reporting any leaks to appropriate authorities.

Hikers in remote areas are especially advised to carry as much water as necessary or to bring equipment to purify water from natural sources.

Attempts have been made to reach the NPS via email and social media for comment on the current situation, but there has been no response.

The break follows an announcement by the NPS last year that it would embark on a $208 million project to repair the aging Transcanyon water pipeline.

“This massive undertaking is an example of the work being done in national parks across the country to repair or replace critical infrastructure that will provide safer and more enjoyable experiences for visitors,” NPS Director Chuck Sams said in a statement at the time.

“For far too long, the great demand in the national parks could not be adequately met due to a lack of financial resources.”

Grand Canyon National Park Superintendent Ed Keable added, “It has taken years of planning, public engagement, design work and coordination to reach this milestone, and we look forward to moving forward to the next phase to complete such an important project that is critical to our employees, residents and visitors.”

Since 2010, there have been 85 major breaks in the pipe, cutting off water supplies to visitors and the park’s 2,500 residents. The water supply is also essential for firefighting in the park, which has 800 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.

According to the NPS, repairing a single break in the Transcanyon water main can cost $25,000 or more.

Do you have a tip for a science story that Newsweek should report? Do you have a question about the Grand Canyon? Let us know at [email protected].