CARLSBAD, NM – Frigid temperatures and icy conditions damaged 7,000 feet of water pipeline in Carlsbad Caverns National Park over New Year’s weekend. The damaged pipeline was the park’s only source of potable water for the visitor center, office buildings and residential housing. The park has been without water for two weeks, except for lavatories in the cave.
Advanced Solutions Group, LLC of Kaysville, UT, was hired to replace the 7,000 feet of broken pipeline. The installation of the new pipe began today and is expected to be completed by this weekend. Once the pipeline is completed, park water system operators will refill storage reservoirs, purge the distribution system, and get the new line flowing with fresh water. Bacterial testing will be done to insure the water is safe to drink, and poses no health risks. Chief of Facilities, Chuck Burton said, “We hope to have water service restored throughout the park by the middle of next week.”
Once water is restored to the park, a project to bury the new water pipeline will begin. The buried pipeline will not be susceptible to damage caused by freezing weather. Completion of that project is expected by early May.
“The visitors have been extremely understanding about our water issue. Lots of folks have visited the cavern and enjoyed it immensely, with little to no effect on their experience. Kudos to our staff as well, who have handled this situation with ease and professionalism,” said Doug Neighbor, superintendent of Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
Monday, January 19, is a “fee free” day where the general admission fee of $10/adult will be waived in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The visitor center is open from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. For general information, please visit our website at www.nps.gov/cave or call 575-785-2232.
Information from Carlsbad Caverns