NWRA 80th Anniversary
In 1944, a small group of water professionals came together to address water issues related to agriculture and groundwater in Nevada. Today, 80 years later, what began as a small group addressing a narrow scope of water issues, has transformed into NWRA, an association of multi-disciplinary professionals committed to understanding, developing, conserving, and protecting Nevada’s water resources.
NWRA’s activities across Nevada:
District 1 - Clark, Lincoln, Nye, & Esmeralda Counties:
NWRA has made a large impact on the student population of the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) in the past 80 years. UNR now has a student chapter of NWRA, and many of these students become active members of NWRA after their graduation, some of whom have served on the Board of Trustees. This partnership has enabled NWRA to offer many more professional development opportunities and outreach activities for students in District 1. Currently, there are many other water events happening in District 1 including the Nevada Water project and the Humboldt River Conjunctive Management Workshops hosted by Nevada Division of Water Resources.
District 2 - Mineral, Lyon, Douglas, Storey, Carson, & Churchill Counties:
Since NWRA’s inception 80 years ago, a lot has changed in District 2, especially with respect to the Carson River. With the help of Carson Water Subconservancy District, the information flow between users up and down the river system has improved, leading to fewer protests on water rights changes. In the present day, the United States Geological Survey is modeling the Carson River and the Carson Water Subconservancy District is implementing a 30-year Water Supply Plan study that is being funded by the Bureau of Reclamation.
District 3 - Lander, Eureka, Elko, & White Pine Counties:
Over the past 80 years, the Gold mining industry has boomed in District 3. Open Pits are larger and deeper. The deeper the mining goes the groundwater becomes an issue. The mining companies introduced large Dewatering Projects to move the water within the Basin, so access to the ore bodies is safe and the water is well managed. As the ounce price of gold continues to rise, deeper ore bodies are seen feasible to mine but only by underground mining methods. Dewatering the deeper ore bodies becomes the next challenge.
District 4 - Humboldt, Pershing, & Washoe Counties:
80 years ago in District 4, the main water issue was physically distributing water, but now, the main issue is water scarcity. NWRA’s process of educating and fostering collaboration on water related issues is very important in District 4. This collaboration increases the awareness of others facing the same water-related issues across the state.
NWRA Annual Conferences
“In my 20+ years of working with NWRA, I have had the opportunity to meet many great water professionals and get a better understanding of the water resource issues throughout the State of Nevada.”
“As a water rights professional, I know the challenges of managing our state’s most precious resource. The Nevada Water Resources Association brings professionals together by providing education, training, and networking opportunities to guide the conservation of Nevada’s water— improving the lives of everyone in our state.”
“When we asked Paul, what is your favorite NWRA memory, this is what he said: “There are so many but if I have to pick one, I’ll pick two. Touring the Nevada Test Site with many good friends and colleagues was a very fun day. And two, receiving the 2018 NWRA Lifetime Achievement Award. This award means a great deal to me as it comes from the Board and the organization that I respect so much. All of the learning and networking at the conferences and symposia, the friendships, the opportunities to serve, all contributed to my successful career.”
Annual Tours and Events
“When asked about the impact that NWRA has had on his career, Mark said,
”The depth of professionalism and commitment of the members to the challenge of managing Nevada’s limited water resources in an arid environment, with a growing population, is admirable. NWRA brings together many diverse perspectives from the research and academic community, water managers, groundwater and surface water consultants and local, state and federal agencies to collaborate on resource management
solutions.”
Students
Then . . . and Now!!!
