Two years after Lake Mead’s water levels reached their lowest point and concerns grew about the Colorado River’s long-term sustainability, water managers and lawmakers generally see a healthier basin. But it hasn’t been without sacrifice in Las Vegas.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Susie Lee of Nevada gathered federal, state and local leaders at the Springs Preserve on Wednesday for her second annual Southern Nevada Water Summit. The leaders painted a hesitant but also more hopeful view of the river that provides drinking water to 40 million people in seven states, Native American tribes and parts of Mexico.

Since the creation of the Southern Nevada Water Authority in 1991, the state, which has by far the smallest stretch of river, has been a pioneer in the West in the discussion about how cities can reduce their consumption through aggressive measures.

“The influence of this state on river management cannot be overstated, especially when it comes to practicing what it preaches when it comes to water conservation,” said Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton, who grew up in Las Vegas and once interned at the water authority.

Hot negotiations, presidential elections looming

The discussions come at a critical time as states try to reach consensus on how to divide the river when 2007 guidelines expire in 2026. The negotiations are underscored by a presidential election; whoever ends up in the White House this year could significantly change Reclamation’s leadership.

Lee highlighted funds from the bipartisan infrastructure bill that funded water projects in Southern Nevada totaling $141 million, including funding for the Las Vegas Wash, which sends millions of gallons of treated wastewater to Lake Mead.

“We’ve seen days of over 120 degrees in Southern Nevada. People are concerned about water and climate change and seeing the impact of the investments we’ve been able to make,” Lee told reporters.

Nevada, as well as California and Arizona in the Lower Basin, are at odds with the northern states — Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Wyoming — over the best way to deal with the river’s water deficits, which are worsening amid ongoing drought.

The Lower Basin argues that the Upper Basin must absorb cuts beyond what it calls its “structural deficit,” the 1.5 million acre-feet of river water lost due to transportation and climate change. The Upper Basin argues that it already has an estimated 1.2 million acre-feet deficit due to climate change. Nevada’s chief negotiator told the Las Vegas Review-Journal in March that he was not convinced by the Upper Basin’s data.

Although Touton did not offer a blanket opinion or assessment of the competing proposals, she praised the groups for agreeing that it is the Lower Basin’s job to address the structural deficit.

“How can we get by with less in this community?” asked Touton. “These are difficult conversations.”

If states fail to reach consensus behind closed doors, Reclamation is likely to step in.

It is possible that the matter could go to the U.S. Supreme Court if the states file suit, said Colby Pellegrino, the water authority’s deputy director general.

“You don’t want someone in a black robe deciding how and when you use your water,” Pellegrino said. “Climate change is a herculean task. … I really think you need to play nice in the sandbox and figure this out, but you all need to share the pain.”

Las Vegas is a pioneer

While Lake Mead’s success over the past two years has been largely due to good snowpack in the Rocky Mountains, water conservation still plays an important role.

And nowhere in the West is conservation as comprehensive as in Southern Nevada – from mass grass removal projects to government regulations prohibiting the construction of new golf courses.

Alfalfa – and agriculture in general, most of which is not located in Nevada – soak up by far the most water from the river each year, with 52 percent of total use in the Colorado River basin, according to a study published this year. Urban, commercial and industrial use accounts for just 18 percent of river use.

But over time, the savings add up. Pellegrino spoke of the region’s efforts to connect homes to municipal sewers instead of septic tanks and of Southern Nevada’s infrastructure that allows nearly every drop of water used indoors to be recycled.

“Like any community, we have committed sins in our past,” she said. “We made decisions during development that are no longer acceptable today. Does anyone know anything about Lake Las Vegas? Today, the project would not be approved.”

It’s also important to keep an eye on forecasts for Lake Mead and Lake Powell, the country’s two largest water reservoirs, said Shana Tighi, a hydrologist with Reclamation. The official notice says the August forecast, which will determine whether Nevada will make further cuts, will be released Thursday.

“Yes, it’s painful,” Tighi said of the water management needed to maintain the river. “But it works.”

2024 Las Vegas Review-Journal. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.