July 27, 2015

Mr. Bradhurst

explained that the CNRWA is looking to identify alternative sources of water for communities hit hard by the current drought. He noted that we have reached our limit for the utilization of traditional water sources (surface and groundwater). Some alternative sources suggested were: Desalinization; reuse of wastewater; rainwater capture; and cloud seeding were feasible. By practicing water conservation and bringing down the per capita/per person/per day usage to around 165 gallons in Las Vegas, approximately 200,000 AF per annum can be saved. CNRWA currently monitors 51 wells in various basins on a yearly basis. It is important to maintain accurate records that can be used to defend against attempts by powerful outside interests to export water from rural areas. Mr. Bradhurst also discussed the CMRWA operating budget and related that membership fees have never been raised since its inception. He noted that 3 counties from California and 2 from Utah, along with members from the CNRWA and SNWA have participated in the Great Basin Forum where important issues concerning the entire southwest were discussed. Upon questioning, Mr. Bradhurst explained that the CNRWA was initially created to share information to acquire a better understanding of the central hydrographic region of the State as it relates to water planning for the future. It has evolved over time to fight efforts by the SNWA to export water from rural Nevada. He noted that rural Nevada has a “right” to a future of which water is an integral part. Urban areas of the state seem to think that rural communities owe them water since they are the “economic engine” of the State. 3 Nye County Water District Governing Board July 27, 2015 It will take smart planning along with conservation to allow communities to continue to grow. Mr. Bradhurst related that Inyo County had concerns back in 1989 with Las Vegas attempting to draw water from the deep carbonate aquifer because it was thought that this might impact the Furnace Creek area. Upon questioning by Ken Searles, Mr. Bradhurst explained that building desalination plants in Mexico and California with financing from the SNWA can allow more water to be retained in the Colorado River for use in the Las Vegas Valley. This would be a much cheaper proposition than building a pipeline to the northern regions of the state. The river is also a more reliable source of water. Mr. Bradhurst discussed the history of Las Vegas’ attempts involving inter-basin transfers of water. James Eason expressed concerns that new growth in the Sparks/Reno area may impact northern Nye County. Mr. Bradhurst noted that Jason King has similar concerns regarding economic development in Lyon County because of a limited water supply.

Mr. Bradhurst

related that current land use planning does not take into consideration the scarcity of water. During public comment John Bosta questioned how members from Nye County are appointed to the CNRWA. Steve Bradhurst explained that the BOCC and Water Board can come to an agreement on how the appointment process will be handled. James Eason reminded everyone that the Water Board approved funding for membership based upon the assumption that the Water Board would be allowed to choose its own members to the CNRWA. There will be an agenda item at the next meeting to address membership appointments.

Mr. Lacy

noted that both organizations had participated in the Governor’s Drought Forum where impacts of the drought were discussed. Mr. Lacy was also in attendance and related some of the discussions that had taken place, especially as it related to rural Nevada and the development of a Groundwater Management Plan for the Pahrump Basin.. c. Staff Reports: I. Darrell Lacy

Mr. Lacy

related that he and Oz Wichman had attended a meeting in Diamond Valley where the State Engineer issued a draft order to declare that basin a Critical Management Area. Diamond Valley is currently over pumping well above the perennial yield for that basin. The Pahrump basin has not yet reached that state. The consensus of some citizens from Diamond Valley was that the DWR figures are overstated. Citizens have requested that the valley be adjudicated so that actual numbers may be confirmed. They are in agreement with the CMS designation and are actively working on a groundwater management plan. Mr. Wichman feels that the Pahrump Basin may be next in line to receive the CMA designation. He noted that about 30-40% of the people in attendance were not from Diamond Valley, showing that this issue has generated a lot of statewide interest. Mr. Lacy noted that since most of the water used is for flood irrigation, it is hard to estimate the actual usage since the water cannot be metered. There was discussion about the number of AF used per acre which has not been consistent over the years. II. Oz Wichman

Mr. Wichman

related that he has not been paying much attention to the Mason/Smith Valley since a lot of their problems deal with supplemental water rights of which the Pahrump Valley has very few. 6 Nye County Water District Governing Board July 27, 2015

Mr. Wichman

discussed his idea for hosting water right classes in the Tonopah and Beatty area in conjunction with the Nevada Water Resources Association (NWRA). The classes would deal with issues of basin health in areas other than Basin 162. He will report back to the Water Board as a plan is developed, hopefully within the next month or two. At some point there will probably be a request for funds from the Water District in support of the classes. During discussion with James Eason, Mr. Wichman noted that the Lower Smoky Valley is on the verge of being over-pumped. Regarding that valley, he discussed that one is allowed to transfer agricultural water rights to mining uses but not the other way around. The point being that each basin in Nye County has a unique set of circumstance and rules for usage of water. There was discussion about fees that will be charged to attend the classes. Mr. Wichman related that his only aim was for the NWRA to recoup expenses and break even. III. Levi Kryder None IV. John Klenke None d. Project Status Report No comments. e. Board Liaison Report I. Dan Schinhofen

Mr. Schinhofen

emphatically stressed to the public that there are no plans to meter any existing domestic wells. f. Report from other individuals, groups and or agencies regarding water-related issues: For informational purposes only. None