Grand Canyon National Park has announced tentative dates for restoring water service to South Rim residences and concessionaires following the Aug. 29 flash flood that damaged critical water infrastructure.

Based on current construction schedules, the National Park Service Incident Management Team expects to begin pumping water from the Bright Angel Creek intake to a new water treatment plant by Nov. 16. Distribution from the treatment plant to residents is projected to begin by Thanksgiving, allowing concessionaires to gradually resume services for overnight guests.

The dates remain subject to change as construction progresses. The park is also working to finalize an agreement to haul approximately 200,000 gallons of water per day to replenish storage tanks. At the current usage rate of about 137,000 gallons per day, the additional supply would help stabilize tank levels until pumping can resume.

Once the Bright Angel Creek pumps begin operating, the park estimates it will take approximately 45 days to fully replenish the water storage tanks.

The Aug. 29 flash flood destroyed a water intake pump and other infrastructure and damaged approximately 40% of the legacy Transcanyon Waterline between the Phantom Ranch area and the North Rim. The Bright Angel Creek and Roaring Springs intake areas also sustained significant damage.

Stage 4 water restrictions remain in effect while repairs continue. Visitors and residents are being asked to conserve water and use designated portable bathrooms, handwashing stations and potable water tanks. The park remains open at both rims, although modified operations and closures remain in effect in affected inner-canyon areas.