$69.5-million Death Valley utility upgrade to replace pipelines, modernize treatment systems
(UI) — Death Valley National Park will begin a $69.5 million water and wastewater infrastructure modernization project this fall, replacing aging pipelines, treatment facilities and utility assets as part of a three-year effort funded through the Great American Outdoors Act's Legacy Restoration Fund.
The project will rehabilitate the park's water systems at Cow Creek and Furnace Creek, along with their shared wastewater treatment facility, Fox 5 local news reported. Planned improvements include replacing approximately 15 miles of water pipeline and 16 miles of sewer pipeline, upgrading water storage tanks, drilling new wells, replacing the reverse osmosis treatment plant building at Cow Creek, rehabilitating the reverse osmosis facility at Furnace Creek, modernizing sewage lift stations and upgrading wastewater treatment ponds.
According to the National Park Service, much of the existing infrastructure dates to the 1960s and has exceeded its intended service life. Extreme desert conditions—including water temperatures that regularly exceed 100°F and recurring flash flooding—have accelerated deterioration of pipelines, valves and other system components. According to Fox 5 News, the aging infrastructure has contributed to frequent water main failures, recurring boil water advisories, sewage spills and temporary campground closures in recent years.
Construction will be phased to minimize impacts on park operations while improving long-term system reliability for park facilities, employees, area businesses and the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe. Officials expect the upgrades to significantly reduce emergency repairs and service interruptions while modernizing critical water and wastewater infrastructure throughout the park.
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