Tom Waters proposes amendment for alternative water sources in Pahrump

The Nye County Board of County Commissioners held a regular meeting on April 15, 2025, where various topics were discussed, including water resource management and community development.

One significant discussion came from a public comment by Tom Waters, who emphasized the need for innovative solutions to water scarcity in the region. Waters proposed amending county codes to permit both water delivery systems and atmospheric water generators, which extract potable water from the air. He argued that these methods could help preserve the aquifer and potentially recharge groundwater, contrasting them with traditional well systems.

Waters also highlighted the importance of proper sanitation and compliance in implementing these solutions. He mentioned that he has developed a framework for a permitting process and plans to submit an agenda item request to ensure this issue is addressed in future meetings. He referenced the county's 2018 groundwater management plan, which advocates for creative conservation strategies, and urged the commissioners to align local laws with the public good.

In his closing remarks, Waters called for action to support housing development in Pahrump while protecting the water table, expressing gratitude for the commissioners' attention to this critical issue.

The meeting underscored the ongoing dialogue about sustainable resource management and community growth in Nye County, with a focus on innovative approaches to address local challenges. Further discussions on this topic are anticipated as Waters prepares to submit his formal request for consideration.