Water Conservation

Drought is quickly becoming the biggest threat to the long-term survival to Nevada's wildlife.

The Colorado River Basin is one of the driest regions of the country, with most states experiencing under 20 inches of rainfall per year. As a result, the vast majority of streams and rivers in the region do not flow year-round and flow only in response to rainfall or snowmelt. As such, the recent "Sackett decision" has removed federal protections for over 90% of waters in states like Nevada. Adding to the pressure on waters in the region are historic drought, additional impacts of climate change, and overuse from rapid development and increasing population.

Additionally, while wetlands in much of the region are rare, they provide needed habitat and serve to collect water that otherwise might run off, lowering flood risk and recharging aquifers and streams which builds resistance to drought and wildfire. Of the basin states like Nevada, our state has little backstop protections to protect our wetlands and streams.

Now is the time to prioritize Nevada's water and ensure future generations have access to healthy wetlands, streams, rivers and lake that provide clean drinking water to our residents.