Friday, Jul 8 2011 3:07PM
A 263-mile water pipeline would leave some communities in eastern Nevada dry.
Rural communities in eastern Nevada could lose substantial water resources, according to a report in the Las Vegas Sun, if a new 263-mile pipeline project is approved.
According to the paper, the Las Vegas Valley Water District (LVVWD) recently made a formal request to the state to build the pipeline, which would allow the district to draw millions of gallons of water from resources operated by the Great Basin Water Network.
John Bredehoeft, a hydrologist who was hired by the Great Basin Water Network to review the potential project, told the state engineer's office in official testimony that the pumping would diminish water storage in eastern Nevada and that it would be unlikely the region could recover.
"Large drawdowns will be created over very large areas - streams, springs and [deep-rooted plants] will be eliminated and wells will go dry," said Bredehoeft.
One population which would be affected by the pipeline project is the Goshute tribe, the newspaper states. The tribal nation is concerned their cattle would have limited access to water from streams, ponds and spring sources should the LVVWD siphon water for the pipeline.