Engineer approves tribe’s applications for unappropriated water

Monday, Dec. 7, 1998 | noon

The ruling also rejected the water applications of Sierra Pacific Power Co. and three applications from Washoe County.

"The unconditional and permanent permit is a pleasant surprise, but the tribe knows it has to continue its work to address the Truckee's many competing demands," Tribal Chairman Mervin Wright said.

According to the tribe's application, the river's unclaimed water can total 477,851 acre-feet, more than eight times the amount consumed annually in the Reno-Sparks area.

The tribe now has the right to that much water and will go to federal court to have the river's water declared fully allocated.

The water will be used to help cui-ui, Lahontan cutthroat trout and recreation at Pyramid Lake.

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