Park officials say a pipeline that stretches more than a mile to provide Carlsbad Caverns National Park with drinking water needs to be replaced.
Officials say some sections of the pipeline were damaged by freezing temperatures. A wildfire also destroyed much of the line's insulation along with many of the wooden blocks used to support it.
The pipeline provides water to the visitor center, employee housing and park offices.
Officials say repairing or replacing the line is necessary to ensure a permanent, reliable source of water.
The park will consider a range of alternatives to accomplish the work as part of an environmental assessment. It will also evaluate potential issues and effects on park resources as part of the process.
The public is being asked to comment on the project.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.