Water Resource Hub

This page contains resources for enhancing your understanding of Nevada’s watersheds.

Nevada’s Nonpoint Source Management Plan

Desert rain
Bureau of Water Quality Planning

Nonpoint source (NPS) water pollution occurs when rain, snowmelt, and irrigation water flows over-developed or disturbed land, carrying with it contaminants such as oil, sediment, pesticides, bacteria, and nutrients. This contaminated water makes its way into Nevada’s waterways either directly or through storm drains.

Groundwater in the Colorado River Basin

Lake Mead
Environmental Defense Fund

The Colorado River Basin stretches through two countries, the United States and Mexico, and is an important water supply source for humans and nature. In the U.S., the hydrologic basin includes parts of Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Learn the physical and social context of the Colorado River Basin states.

EPA Geospatial Applications

US Environmental Protection Agency

EPA has developed many applications that allow users to explore and interact with geospatial data. Their page highlights some of the flagship geospatial web applications but these represent only a fraction of the total. Learn about the Environment in your Neighborhood.

Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems

Nevada Department of Wildlife

Groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDEs) are natural communities including plants, animals, and microbes that rely on groundwater for all or part of their water needs. This story map provides information about what groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDEs) are, where they are in Nevada, and why they are important.

Las Vegas Regional Water Quality Plan

Southern Nevada Water Authority

Southern Nevada water and wastewater agencies formed the Las Vegas Valley Watershed Advisory Committee (LVVWAC) in 2007 to cooperatively address laws that govern water management practices and to protect the valley’s watershed. Read the LVVWAC’s Regional Water Quality Plan to learn the role of local agencies in protecting the Las Vegas watershed resources.

Drought & Conservation Measures

Las Vegas Valley Water District

As a result of shortage conditions on the Colorado River, the federal government announced a tier two water reduction in August 2022, limiting the amount of water Southern Nevada will be allowed to withdraw from Lake Mead beginning in January 2023. Learn how you can safeguard our community’s drinking water supply.

Ways to Get Involved

Springs Preserve Conservation Classes

The Springs Preserve offers various affordable and accessible conservation, irrigation, gardening classes, and more! View their classes and events here.

Water Smart Landscapes Rebate

Whether you do it yourself or hire a contractor, the Southern Nevada Water Authority will rebate residential properties, businesses, HOAs and multifamily properties $3 per square foot of grass removed and replaced with desert landscaping.

Great Basin Water Network

Great Basin Colorado River Talk poster

Watch a distinguished panel discuss the future of tribal water rights, dams, food production, and overall management challenges on the river in the wake of the ongoing drought and the 100th anniversary of the Colorado River Compact.