The Cottonwood Cove developed area on Lake Mohave reopened at about 1:30 p.m. today after being closed for more than a week due to a water system failure. The area depends on a well system for water. The main problem was a damaged head shaft that was used to draw the water. A complete flushing and disinfection procedure was performed on the water transmission system after repairs were made. The water was tested by an independent laboratory and confirmed to be safe.

“We want to let our visitors know the area is open. The marina, RV Park, campgrounds, motel, launch ramp, picnic and beach areas are all open. We know the temporary shut down was inconvenient to all of our visitors and we appreciate their patience while the water system was repaired and tested,” said Superintendent Bill Dickinson.

The National Park Service would also like to thank many organizations and entities who helped the park during this temporary closure of the area, including:  the Clark County Fire Department, the Las Vegas Valley Water District, Forever Resorts, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the Nevada Highway Patrol, the Regional Transportation Commission (FAST system), Clark County Volunteers from Cal-Nev-Ari and Sandy Valley, the Boulder City Police Department, Caltrans, and the city of Searchlight.

Background:
At about 11 a.m., on Monday, March 31, the National Park Service issued an emergency closure of the Cottonwood Cove developed area on the Nevada side of Lake Mohave. The emergency closure was necessary due to a failure of the water system. The Cottonwood Cove area depends on a well system for all of its water. All visitors (about 100) were evacuated from the area for safety and health reasons. Without running water there were no restrooms, the restaurant couldn’t operate, and there was a wildland and structural fire danger without pressurized water.