What About the Sale or Lease of Water in Park Units to Non-NPS Users?

The National Park Service (NPS) has the authority to enter into contracts for the sale or lease of water to persons, states, or political subdivisions that provide public accommodations or services for park visitors outside and near the park unit and that have no reasonable alternative sources of water. The NPS may authorize such agreements or contracts only if:

• the transfer does not jeopardize or unduly interfere with the natural or cultural resources of the park,
• the government's costs are fully recovered, and
• the contract is for a short term, true emergency.

The NPS follows the requirements and procedures of Director's Orders #35A and #35B when considering the sale or lease of park water.