FEDERATION OF WESTERN OUTDOOR CLUBS

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URGING INDEPENDENT HYDROLOGICAL STUDY OF EASTERN NEVADA

Because of the continuing drought in the West, the entire Colorado River system, including Lake Powell and Lake Mead, is stressed.  At the same time, cities in the Southwest, particularly Las Vegas and Phoenix, continue to grow at a rapid rate.  The water authorities of these cities are looking for new sources of water to acquire.  In Nevada the deep carbonate aquifer which underlies much of Eastern Nevada has been targeted as a source for ground water to send to Las Vegas.

However, no complete hydrological studies have been conducted to show the short-term and long-term effects of this ground water drilling on surface waters such as springs and streams which are so necessary for wildlife.  Since Nevada is the most arid state in the nation, a drawdown of ground water will not be replaced with precipitation.

The Federation of Western Outdoor Clubs urges a complete and fully funded independent hyrdological study of the deep carbonate aquifer underlying Eastern Nevada, with special attention to be given to both short-term and long-term effects of any groundwater pumping on surface water before any inter-basin transfers of rural water to Las Vegas are authorized.

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