BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, Texas – Water pumps supplying the Chisos Basin at Big Bend National Park failed just before Christmas, prompting the park to enact Stage 2 water restrictions to conserve limited water reserves.
According to park officials, the Oak Spring pumps provide the only water source for the Chisos Basin developed area. With the system offline, the park is relying solely on water stored in Chisos Basin tanks. A backup pump is currently unavailable, as it was previously sent out for repairs.
Efforts are underway to expedite repairs to the failed pumps, but there is no timeline for restoration. Repairs are expected to take several weeks.
Visitors staying or traveling to the Chisos Basin are being asked to significantly reduce water use. If water levels drop to the minimum required for firefighting, the Chisos Basin will be forced to close.