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SNWA hydrology supervisor: Las Vegas Valley groundwater largely stable but long‑term climate risks remain
Summary
James Preer of the Southern Nevada Water Authority told the North Las Vegas Utilities Advisory Board that long‑term monitoring shows groundwater levels have stabilized in most valley areas, supported by artificial recharge and Lake Mead supplies, but future drought and allocations remain significant risks.
James Preer, hydrology supervisor with the Southern Nevada Water Authority, told the North Las Vegas Utilities Advisory Board on Oct. 28 that long‑term groundwater monitoring shows broad stabilization across the Las Vegas Valley but that future climate and river‑flow uncertainty remain a concern.
"So overall, to summarize our groundwater conditions are stable in the valley and rising in most areas at a slow rate," Preer said, showing hydrographs from wells monitored across the region. He explained most recharge derives from winter snowpack in the Spring Mountains, including Mount Charleston, and that the authority monitors about 200 wells to track depth‑to‑water trends and quality.
Preer reviewed how artificial recharge programs since 1989 and agreements limiting full pumpage have helped stabilize the principal aquifer after mid‑20th century declines. He said North Las Vegas and SNWA maintain a regional banking system: "right now there's about 65,000 acre feet in the Las Vegas North Las Vegas Bank and about 342,000 in the SNWA Bank," which can be used for future shortages.
The presentation shifted to the Colorado River and near‑term projections. Preer summarized Bureau of Reclamation 24‑month modeling and shortage tiers, noting Nevada's allocation basis of roughly 300,000 acre‑feet and that return‑flow credits reduce consumptive use within the valley. He said Lake Mead elevations were near 1,058 feet and that projections through winter 2025–26 place modeled traces around the 1,050–1,060 range — close to the boundary between shortage tiers.
Board members asked whether long‑distance transfers such as a Snake Valley pipeline remain viable. Preer replied that large interbasin projects are "dead" for practical purposes given legal, political and cost barriers and emphasized conservation, reuse and regional agreements as more viable strategies going forward.
The board received Preer's materials and web links to SNWA planning documents for additional detail.
