Elko County Nevada Water Resource Management Plan 2007

SECTION 2
Elko County Water Resource Management Plan
Water Resource Management
INTRODUCTION
Development of water resources within Elko County include both surface water and groundwater. Principal
municipal supplies in the communities of Jarbidge, Jackpot, Midas, Montello and Mountain City are provided
by both groundwater and surface water sources. Most all of rural Elko County has experienced slower growth
rates versus the higher growth rates occurring in the City of Elko, West Wendover, Osino, Ryndon, Spring Creek
and South Fork areas during the last decade. Although rapid development of the rural areas has not occurred in
the past, emphasis has been placed on development, management and protection of water resources in rural Elko
County.
While rural areas have remained virtually un-developed, areas such as Jackpot, Jarbidge, Midas, Montello,
Mountain City and West Wendover have experienced light to heavy development. West Wendover being an
incorporated City has by far experienced the fastest and heaviest population and development increases while
the other areas have experienced light to moderate increases. The largest water usage in rural Elko County is
from ranches and farms utilizing surface and groundwater sources for irrigation, stock watering and domestic
use. Elko County is the largest water user in the State at approximately 24.4% of all usage. Agricultural use in
Elko County accounts for approximately 97% of our total water usage. Rural water resource development dates
back to original settlement of the area along the California Trail in the 1840’s. Groundwater development didn’t
occur until the early 1900’s.
With an arid climate, Elko County has always been dependent upon the successful development of water
resources. During the early development of the State, settlement locations were restricted to areas with readily
available water. Now population locations in Elko County have many more options than these early pioneers.
Technologic advances have made it possible to deliver water to once remote areas, develop a variety of water
sources, and meet the water needs of a growing population. Water is a primary ingredient for the continued
prosperity of Elko County, but its availability is limited. The challenge is to wisely develop and use our most
precious renewable natural resource. With a limited water supply, conservation and wastewater reclamation
become more essential for responsible water management.
Education of the public about water, its use and conservation is necessary for wise water management in the
future. It is the intent of this section to provide the public with a brief introduction to our water resources. This
Section provides an aspect of our available water resources, followed by current and future water use estimates,
forecasts and related information.
In 1998, The Nevada Division of Water Planning developed elements of a State Water Plan. The Draft State
Water Plan included historic, geographic, hydrologic, water use, and socioeconomic trends and conditions for
the State of Nevada, including Elko County. In response to recommendations and information presented in the
Draft Water Plan, Elko County appointed a Water Planning Commission to review and make recommendations
to the Elko County Commission on water related issues within the County’s jurisdiction.
SECTION 2 - Page -2-