Board directs county to partner with Desert Research Institute to develop Lyon County water resource plan under NRS 278.0228

The Lyon County Board of Commissioners on June 5 directed county staff to pursue a county water resource plan in partnership with the Desert Research Institute (DRI) under NRS 278.0228, accepting DRI’s offer to provide technical services funded through a one‑time Nevada Division of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) grant.

Gavin Henderson, Lyon County Community Development Director, introduced the item and said DRI offered to compile and analyze supply and demand data, prepare plan text and maps, and help coordinate outreach. DRI’s Beverly Parker told commissioners the funded project team consists of hydrologists, engagement specialists and data analysts and that the grant covers the DRI work; the award also provides $20,000 if Lyon County needs to reimburse county staff time or hire outside support. Parker said the funding expires at the end of 2026.

Parker outlined the plan’s scope under NRS 278.0228: an inventory of current water resources, comparison of supply and demand, and, if demand outstrips supply, proposal of management strategies. She emphasized the county water plan is not a reallocation of water rights, will not change law or regulations and is intended as a county planning tool to identify supply/demand gaps and management options.

Commissioners asked whether DRI would use existing watershed studies (Hendricks asked specifically about Carson Water Subconservancy District data) and Parker confirmed DRI will compile available datasets, including USGS, EPA and the state engineer’s office, and request county data where gaps exist. Henderson said the county would handle community engagement (town halls, advisory boards) and DRI would coordinate reviews with the state engineer.

The board voted 5–0 to provide direction to the community development director to pursue the DRI partnership and begin the data-gathering process.