Lower White River management process moves forward amid court challenge

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The Nevada Division of Water Resources is moving forward with management of the Lower White River Flow System as a legal challenge involving the Lincoln County Water District remains pending.

State engineer Joe Caccioppo provided stakeholders with an update Aug. 18, outlining work completed since a February public meeting and laying out a tentative timeline through the end of the year.

On July 1, Caccioppo signed Order 1343, designating the Lower White River Flow System as a basin in need of administration and providing the division with additional statutory tools for the management of groundwater rights within the system.

Lincoln County Water District and Vidler Water Company filed a petition for judicial review of the order July 30. According to the state engineer’s update, Order 1343 remains in effect while the appeal is pending, although the district court could reverse, remand or otherwise alter the order.

The division is meanwhile working to update a 2018 list of water rights within the system following requests from stakeholders. The review includes verifying the status of water rights, incorporating Kane Springs Ranch rights and updating pumping inventory information from 2017 through 2025.

The updated water-rights list is expected to be completed and distributed by mid-September.

Division staff is also continuing to review water-right applications and evaluate beneficial use within the Lower White River Flow System.

The state expects to issue notice in October for the next public meeting, including an agenda and an opportunity for stakeholders to submit questions. Comments are expected in November, with the second Lower White River Flow System management-phase meeting planned for no later than December.

Topics expected at that meeting include the updated water-rights list, actions taken by the division, responses to stakeholder questions, the schedule and format for future meetings and preferred methods for stakeholder participation.