May 30, 2019

Commissioner Koenig

asked how private wells and utility wells are differentiated in the model. Susie Rybarski (DRI presenter) suggested we do some capture simulation to better see that in current model. This could be used to simulate growth in certain areas as well. Currently the Division of Water Resources is using the 2016 version of model for this purpose. John Bosta spoke about Bennett’s Springs (which he stated dried up in 1965). Stating that the model must be flawed because it referenced Bennett’s Springs. Mr. Bosta also spoke about a meeting he participated in with 3 well drillers, one of which who made an application to drill to the carbonate aquifer (which was estimated to be 3,000 feet). The State Engineer denied this application. Darrell Lacy commented this application was denied because it was for a production well not a monitoring well. According to NDWR, the water if discovered in a carbonate aquifer still belongs to the basin and is not considered “new” water. Dwight Lilly asked as the Nye County Water District is charged with protecting our water resources, has Desert Research Institute ever been asked to do specific modeling for development (i.e. to determine the approval of subdivisions / development agreement). In which Susie responded that it is a goal to do so in the future, however, this study is funded by the BLM not the Nye County Water District. Oz also mentioned that we initially funded this model, DRI is the keeper of the model, the BLM has contributed to funding some model improvements, which the Division of Water Resources (NDWR) uses. In context of our Groundwater Management Model, our limited resources and the population increase, the State (NDWR) makes the ultimate decision of what is approved or not. Elaine Baumstark expressed her concern with the model not being current, using data from 3 years ago. Susie responded by saying it’s quite typical for groundwater models to be behind by a couple of years, mainly due to the fact of data availability. Additionally, Oz fielded the question by stating that the Division of Water Resources is working with the same data. Walt Kuver also added that the actual factual data for the last 5 years shows the pumping average as 16,000 AFA.

Commissioner Koenig

said the next CNRWA meeting is 9/25/19 and will be in Sparks, NV. He usually attends these via phone. c. Staff Reports I. Oz Wichman Oz attended the last CNRWA meeting. Jeff Fontaine provided legislative updates. AB 95 is on its way to the Governor. The July Water District Governing Board meeting will be held in Tonopah. So far on the agenda we have: Jay Dixon speaking on Round Mountain Gold’s water balance, a legislative update, election of officers, Board reappointments, Volunteer Domestic Well Metering Program update and expansion request. II. Christal Behrends Our participation in Earth Day was well received. Attendance was down due to the fact it fell on Easter weekend this year and there were other events going on simultaneously. In attending the Devils Hole workshop, it was noted that the Pupfish were named an endangered species in 1967. Annual counting of the Pupfish occurs in the Fall. They are counted via surface and scuba (underwater). In the Fall 2018 count, they had the highest number they’ve seen (193). The lowest count was in 2013 (35). Regarding carbonate aquifer exploration funding, we continue to exhaust our leads. Exploratory / geo physical remains intangible and high risk to funders. Additional updates will be provided at the July 29th meeting. III. John Klenke John provided an update on the 5 monitoring wells BLM is funding. One of these wells is in a critical habitat endangerment area. As a result, installation has been slowed down. The newest projection is by end of summer. John also shared information regarding Israel’s / Dead Sea water issues that have some similarity to what we are experiencing in Pahrump Valley. d. Projects Status Reports I. Staff Covered Above e. Board Liaison Reports I. Commissioner John Koenig None f. Report form other individuals, groups and or agencies regarding water- related Issues; for informational purposes only.