Water Restrictions throughout Grand Canyon Persist Due to Pipeline Breaks

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Water is always a scarce and sacred resource throughout the Grand Canyon. There is always a certain level of strict water conservation in effect. Tourists and locals alike need to heed the water shortage, as it is unclear when issues will arise. Plus, with such a dry area, with the Grand Canyon National Park spreading over 1,217,403.32 acres, hydration awareness is essential. Therefore, tasks that most of the country takes for granted, like watering lawns and washing dishes is under constant conservation.

However, due to a series of pipeline breaks throughout the Grand Canyon, the restrictions have heightened throughout the national landmark. The higher restrictions affect the park, as well as the businesses throughout it. Thankfully, everyone pitches in to help. For, as large as the Grand Canyon community is, they are a tightknit group. Even most tourists are respectful of the restrictions, as it is up to everyone at such a time, to do their part.
Pipeline Breaks

Thankfully, the pipeline breaks have been fixed. Yet, there is maintenance that is still being performed. This includes flushing the lines. Thus, the water levels are still at risk. That means that the restrictions need to remain in place for a little while longer. Officials say that restrictions will remain until the water tank on the South Rim returns to a normal storage level.

Ironically, rainy weather and wet conditions have prevented crews from working on the pipeline. This has extended the timetable for the restrictions. This is especially true for the oldest areas of the pipeline, which are most susceptible to breaking.

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Public Restrictions
When water restrictions are in effect, it does not matter whether you are a tourist or a local. You are expected to abide by the same rules. Thankfully, the water restrictions, even at an advanced level are not horrible. The public is asked to flush the toilet sparingly and to only wash full loads of laundry or dishes.

Business Restrictions
Businesses are expected to employ the same type of action as the public. However, they often do a little more, considering the volume of resources they need. During water shortages, some businesses use disposable cutlery and table settings to cut down on dishwashing. Additionally, all businesses have adopted the habit during this time to only serve drinking water when it is requested.

Park Restrictions

Currently, the Grand Canyon National Park has turned off water-filling stations throughout the South Kaibab and Bright Angel trailheads. Therefore, people are asked to bring enough drinking water if they are going to be hiking. Especially if their adventure takes them through the portion that is restricted the most, the South Rim.

To close, since the pipeline is now fixed, it is only a matter of time before the restrictions ease. While everyone is always asked to conserve water, there are many luxuries that frequent visitors to the Grand Canyon enjoy. Many of these luxuries are being cut back on. However, once the South Rim water tower is back to functioning levels, these luxuries will be returned.