Great Basin Water Forum 2012
November 13, 2012, 9:30am-3:00pm
Carson Nugget – Ballroom A, 507 North Carson Street, Carson City, Nevada
GREAT BASIN WATER FORUM NEWS RELEASE
The fourth annual Great Basin Water Forum hosted by the Central Nevada Regional Water Authority will present the latest information and discussions on a critical question to the West’s economic future, valued quality of life and natural environment: “How can Nevada, Utah and California address the significant imbalance between identified sustainable water supply and projected population growth?”
Carly Jerla, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, will give a presentation on the soon-to-be released Bureau report entitled “Colorado River Basin Water Supply and Demand Study.” Ms. Jerla is the Co-Manager of the Study. The largest and most comprehensive basin-wide analysis ever undertaken describes future imbalances in water supply and demand in the Colorado River Basin through 2060, and it explores a broad range of options to help address the water supply short-fall. This short-fall in Colorado River water has led to increased activity in proposed water projects targeting scarce water resources in the Great Basin.
Michael Dunbar, Manager of the Emerald Bay Service District in Laguna Beach, California will give a presentation on the status of ocean water desalination in California and beyond and if it can be part of a water-gap solution.
Ms. Jerla’s and Mr. Dunbar’s presentations will serve as the foundation for a panel discussion on this critical question. Panelists will include county commissioners/supervisors, state legislators, state water agency officials, an Indian Tribe chairman and federal agency representatives.
An annual Great Basin Water Forum is called for in a 2009 memorandum of understanding signed by two counties in Utah, three California counties and the Central Nevada Regional Water Authority (8-county organization). Thirteen counties in three states are involved – a unique partnership in western water policy. The Great Basin Water Forum’s purpose is to discuss important water resource issues common to the nation’s driest hydrographic region, and if desired, recommendations are made to appropriate entities and organizations.
For more information contact: Steve Bradhurst, Executive Director, Central Nevada Regional Water Authority, 775.747.2038.
