A Rural Nevada press conference call with reporters from different counties was held last week by United States Senator Dean Heller. Earlier that same day, the Senate approved a water management amendment to the current Energy and Water appropriations bill. Heller co- sponsored the amendment with Senator Harry Reid representing Nevada.
“The Colorado River is the lifeblood of Southern Nevada, supplying over 90% of southern Nevada’s water supplies,” said Heller in a press release. “That’s why I worked with Senator Reid on this amendment that supports innovative water conservation projects that bolster our region’s water security. Given the current drought situation, it is essential that we stretch every drop of western water as far as it will go.”
According to the press release, the voluntary program compensates reductions in water use and water efficiency upgrades in order to keep more water in the Colorado River. Heller elaborated on his water strategy during the call.
“Without water, there’s no growth in the West,” Heller said. “What are important are regional partnerships. Irrigation districts, commercial businesses and infrastructure agreements with local and tribal governments have saved 160,000 households worth of water. Without conservation, there is no growth model. There are currently 19 different agreements to assure water for growth in the Southwest. As for the Southern Nevada Water Authority pipeline, we continue to monitor the situation, but we’re very careful due to future obligations that we will have here in Washington.”
