News Release

Death Valley National Park Begins Critical Water and Wastewater System Modernization Project

Representatives from U.S. Congress, Timbisha Shoshone Tribe, Inyo County, the National Park Service, U.S. Public Health Service, Death Valley Conservancy, Xanterra, and companies involved in the project ceremonially broke ground on October 21.

NPS

News Release Date: October 22, 2026
Contact: Death Valley National Park News

DEATH VALLEY, Calif. — On October 21, Death Valley National Park broke ground on the Furnace Creek Water Systems Rehabilitation Project, a $69.5 million investment to modernize aging water and wastewater infrastructure serving park visitors, employees, residents and the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe. Funded through the Legacy Restoration Fund established by the Great American Outdoors Act, signed into law by President Donald J. Trump in 2020, the three-year project will address deferred maintenance and improve the reliability of essential services.

The National Park Foundation joined the National Park Service for a ceremonial groundbreaking at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, where participants recognized the importance of reliable water and wastewater infrastructure in Death Valley’s extreme desert environment.

The investment also supports the surrounding communities that depend on tourism and reliable park operations. In 2024, visitors to Death Valley National Park spent an estimated $146 million in gateway communities, supporting approximately 1,343 local jobs and generating $191 million in total economic output.

"Today's groundbreaking marks a turning point for Death Valley National Park. For years, park staff have repeatedly repaired these aging pipes and wells, providing emergency service in some of the most extreme conditions in North America,” said Death Valley National Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds. “Thanks to the Legacy Restoration Fund, we can stop patching these critical systems and start rebuilding them. This work will help provide reliable water and sanitation for park visitors, employees, The Oasis at Death Valley and the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe."

The project will replace the water treatment plant building at Cow Creek, rehabilitate the water treatment plant at Furnace Creek and upgrade their shared wastewater treatment facility. The work includes replacing more than 30 miles of water and sewer pipeline, drilling new water wells, modernizing local sewage lift stations and upgrading the park’s wastewater treatment ponds.

Many parts of Death Valley’s current utility systems date to the 1960s and are well past their intended service life. Extreme desert conditions have accelerated deterioration of pipelines, valves and other infrastructure. In recent years, utility system failures have led to periodic outages, boil-water advisories, sewage spills and temporary campground closures.

Construction will be completed in phases to minimize disruptions to visitors and park operations. Short, localized water outages and temporary parking reductions may occur during construction. Service changes or closures will be posted on the park website at nps.gov/deva.
 

nps.gov

About the National Park Service.  Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America’s most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.   

Tags: legacy restoration fund, lrf, gaoa, great american outdoors act, utility operations, wastewater management

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