Nevada passes two bills to preserve the state’s groundwater

CARSON CITY — In a move that marks a major step toward preserving water for the state’s future, Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo signed two bills, Nevada Assembly Bill 104 (AB 104) and Senate Bill 36 (SB 36), into law. These bills establish the Nevada Voluntary Water Rights Retirement Program, a statewide initiative that enables groundwater rights holders, including agricultural producers, to voluntarily retire groundwater rights in areas where water use exceeds long-term water availability. They also create the Account for Retiring Water Rights, a dedicated fund within the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, which will be used to purchase and retire groundwater rights. Once retired, these rights are permanently removed from use, helping stabilize aquifers and protect natural ecosystems.   

The groundwater rights retirement program originated from a bill proposed by Senator Pete Goicoechea in the previous session. It has received widespread support from legislators, conservation groups, agricultural producers and water managers across the state, who recognize the importance of protecting Nevada’s groundwater resources.

Jake Tibbitts, Natural Resources Manager, Eureka County, said, “Sustainable water use is important to all Nevadans, and it’s encouraging to see such a diverse range of voices come together to address this challenge.” 

Tibbitts added, “Through the strong interest and success of the groundwater retirement pilot project, I’ve seen firsthand how effective this tool can be in tackling the very issues these bills aim to solve. Groundwater rights retirement offers a practical and more consensus-based path to managing water sustainably, without relying on conflict or litigation.”