Grand Canyon Water Pipeline Faces Significant Breaks And Upgrades

In this Feb. 22, 2005, file photo, with the North Rim in the background, tourists hike along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in Grand Canyon, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Hossman, File)

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz. (AP) — The Transcanyon Water Distribution Pipeline, a vital component serving Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim, is currently facing challenges due to four significant breaks in the water pipeline. As a result, visitors will not be able to stay overnight in hotels inside the South Rim through the Labor Day holiday.

The pipeline, constructed in the 1960s, spans 12.5 miles and draws water from Roaring Springs on the North Rim to the Havasupai Gardens pump station before reaching the South Rim. This pipeline provides drinking water and fire suppression for all facilities on the South Rim, as well as some inner canyon facilities, including over 800 historic buildings.