Water Management Issues: South-West USA

• Background:

  • Nevada, USA.
  • Intense competition for water from Pyramid Lake.
• Stakeholders:

  • The farmers around Fallon, Nevada require water to irrigate crops.
  • Residents of Reno is need water for domestic use.
  • The city is expanding rapidly and water requirements are rising just as quickly.
  • Pyramid Lake is a nature reserve valued by Native Americans.
  • They believe they are spiritually connected to a rare breed of fish in the lake.
• Results:

  • Competition was so intense legal action was taken.
  • Federal authorities ruled the Native Americans and Reno residents as having the highest priority.
  • Fields dried up as a result.