More work to maintain the Transcanyon Pipeline that carries drinking water across the Inner Gorge of Grand Canyon National Park has led to the shutoff of water in some areas.

The crews are in the process of replacing a portion of the pipeline at Phantom Ranch. As part of the construction process, the TCP was to be turned off today to allow crews to connect the new portions of the pipeline to the existing pipeline. The shutdown is anticipated to last through the end of the week. For safety purposes, crews must also turn off the power to Phantom Ranch on Monday.

Phantom Ranch was to begin water conservation measures today that will last the duration of the project, but drinking water will continue to be available. However, drinking water will be unavailable at Bright Angel and Cottonwood campgrounds, Roaring Springs, and Manzanita Rest Area (formerly Pumphouse Residence) during the shutdown. Day hikers and backpackers should be prepared to carry all drinking water or be able to treat creek water for drinking.

Grand Canyon National Park has a large and complex water utility system that provides water to close to 5 million annual visitors as well as about 2,500 residents who live within the park. Visitors and residents on the South and North rims will still have access to water during the planned TCP shutdown via a water storage system. However, during the shutdown visitors and residents are encouraged to practice basic water conservation measures.

Water conservation can be as simple as turning off the water while you brush your teeth or shave, taking shorter showers, not watering lawns or washing cars, and filling the sink with water while washing dishes.

Because of the complexity of the TCP replacement project, at least one more multi-day TCP shutdown is anticipated this year. At this time, there is no date set for that shutdown.