Nevada is the driest state in America, and it is getting drier. Water is the life-blood of our communities, agriculture, industry, business and health.
Because the need to diversify our economy and grow small businesses will result in a systematic population growth, the next Governor must balance growth with our finite water resources.
The science of tree ring research (dendrochronology) has shown us that in the past several hundred years, entire western communities have disappeared as a result of drought and water shortage. These periods of drought have lasted many decades. Nevada has been experiencing drought conditions since 2000. Reputable scientists have projected that western droughts will most likely be more frequent and extended.
Many western communities in the 20th century believed that dams and aquifers beneath the Earth could be tapped and that there was virtually an “inexhaustible” supply of water for all.
However, the population growth in the West and the drought conditions of the past several decades have proven this idea wrong. Western aquifers have, and continue to drop dramatically. Many reservoirs have been drawn down to their very outlets.
Nevada receives the smallest portion (1.8%) of the apportioned Colorado River water supply. Seventy percent of our water comes from the Colorado River and the remaining thirty percent comes from groundwater supplies. It is a well-known fact that Colorado River water is already over-allocated. This means that although water rights exist, on any given year, there may not be enough water to deliver. Nevada shares Colorado River water with seven other states.
Nevada’s first priority should be to protect the resources we already have. That means wise management of our watersheds so that every drop of water that falls in Nevada, stays in Nevada. Streams, meadows, lakes, ponds, wetlands, reservoirs, rangelands and forest lands are all important “sponges” for our state. Protecting the vegetation that holds the water can prevent water from running off and becoming lost.
Nevada’s population has been growing at a rate of more than 25% for the past three decades. In addition to conserving water for drinking and economic growth, we must dedicate some reserved water to staying in rivers, streams and reservoirs for recreation, fish and wildlife values. Nevada depends on these resources to support this $325 million dollar industry.
State and local officials need to strictly enforce current as well as new conservation efforts, such as water efficient appliances, the conversion of lawns to xeriscapes (including golf courses), rainwater harvesting from hardened surfaces, building code modifications, city ordinances and enforcement, and more public swim pools and fewer personal pools to name a few.
Local conservation is a more reasonable solution than the cost and effort to transport water long distances, but transport options must now be seriously considered. These include, but are not limited to, desalination plants from ocean water, flood waters east of the Rockies, and/or reallocation of water within our state. Environmental concerns must be taken into consideration with each of these options and will weigh heavily in the decision making process.
The anxiety of water loss or shortages will damage the future of our economy and everything we do in Nevada. Any further delay will only exacerbate the eventual consequences.
Nevada needs forward-looking leaders who will prioritize the effort to secure the needed water resources for future generations. As your governor, I will make water sustainability for Nevada a top priority.
