Grand Canyon Water Reclamation Plant

The Grand Canyon Water Reclamation Plant is a treatment facility at the South Rim built in 1926 that purifies wastewater through multiple stages. The two-story building contains filters, settling tanks, and piping systems that prepare dirty water for irrigation and other uses.

The facility was completed in 1926 and pioneered water reclamation practices across the United States. In 1974 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its role in environmental engineering history.

The facility shows how National Parks handled wastewater in the early 1900s and combined modern techniques with natural surroundings. You can see how people brought development and environmental care together in that era.

You can reach it from the village and see the facility from the road, but tours inside are not always available. Wear comfortable shoes since the area is hilly and offers little shade.

The facility preserves much of its original machinery and equipment from 1926, making it a rare example of industrial technology from that era. The treated water was once used to fuel locomotive boilers and water the village gardens.

Location: Grand Canyon Village

GPS coordinates: 36.04911,-112.15619

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:20