Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak, along with Senator Jacky Rosen and Representative Susie Lee toured three Lake Mead locations on Wednesday.
Despite the stark visual of how much the lake level has receded, John Entsminger, general manager of Southern Nevada Water Authority, said there are also some elements unique to Nevada, which are and will be important to Nevada residents.
One is the low lake level pumping station, which Entsminger said makes Nevada one of “the most water secure states” in the Colorado River Basin.
“This pumping station is hooked into our third intake, which is actually 20 feet below deadpool, thereby insuring our ability to physically deliver water to our citizens, even in a scenario where water couldn’t be delivered downstream to 25 million Americans in California and Arizona," he said.
A 24-month study by the Bureau of Reclamation released last week shows the lake level declining even more by next year and the pumping station will be helpful.
Entsminger said we often focus too much on the disadvantages regarding our water, but it’s also important to acknowledge Nevada’s advantages. A primary strategic advantage is our geography.
“We’re upstream of Hoover Dam, which allows us to recycle nearly 100% of our indoor water use, which allows us to build amazing facilities to guarantee the security of our water supply under any hydrologic condition. And we also have a united politics with every unit of local government under one umbrella speaking with one voice and taking hard votes for the last 20 years that ensure we’re ready to meet today’s moment," he said.
@GovSisolak/Twitter
Sisolak, at a press conference following the tour, called on all users of the river to look to Nevada for conservation. His office released a handout for residents of Southern Nevada to learn how to conserve and reduce waste.
"My office is preparing a water conservation package with American Rescue Plan funds to ensure local governments have the tools they need to prepare for the future. As conversations continue, we will work on this package to bring forward for approval at a future date," he said.
