Where I Stand — Mike O’Callaghan: Drought: A final warning

Tuesday, June 3, 2003 | 9:04 a.m.

ARE WE IN SERIOUS trouble? The answer is yes, if you are asking about water for the people of Southern Nevada and several other parts of the West and Southwest. None of the experts can even guess when this severe drought will end. When, and if, it does end, will it return at a later date? Past history assures us that sooner or later there will be another deadly drought even if our present water troubles subside.

I'm almost afraid to predict future problems or solutions because of my past errors. When serving on the Governor's Ground Water Control Board four decades ago I foresaw serious water shortages. Our valley had sunk several feet because of excessive use of ground water. Then, 10 years later in 1971, the Southern Nevada Water Project brought in water from Lake Mead. We were told no more water problems by many business people and government officials. They were correct, if that new confidence hadn't encouraged a new building and population growth boom.

Sixteen years later, in 1987, this column took a look at the prior years and tried to face a new reality. That column was dragged out for readers in 1997 and I'm forced to publish it again, because of even greater problems. It also shows that I made some big errors in the size of growth projected in 1987.

So, let's take a look at the 1987 column: "Growth in Clark County is taken for granted by many of our business leaders. But it's about time more of them start discussing the economics of water and how they want the limited supply divided during the coming years.

"Long ago Nevadans knew it was necessary to encourage industries using only small amounts of water to set up shop in the Silver State. Some planners and business seekers have overlooked that limitation and have taken the attitude that they grab what they can today and the hell with tomorrow.

"The Southern Nevada Water Project, brought about almost two decades ago by then senior U.S. Sen. Alan Bible and his colleague Sen. Howard Cannon, gave new life to Clark County growth. But even when the project was completed, wise business and social leaders knew that eventually the new supply would be exhausted. Many of them had lived through the era when the valley's underground water supply had dropped to the level that water wells were pumping hot air and the ground was sinking.

"Properly planned, this area can probably support almost 1 million residents and most likely 100,000 hotel rooms. The good thing about tourists and conventioneers is that they breathe the air and drink the water, much of which can be reclaimed, and then return home. That's why conventions, tourism, entertainment and gambling are ideally suited for our desert economy.

"Those who are selfish or who won't face reality should recognize that our share of the Colorado River water is limited, as is our underground water supply.

"Planners had better limit growth that uses large amounts of water with small returns in jobs. Desert landscaping must become more common in new housing developments. It may not be as desirable as man-made streams and lakes surrounded by acres of green grass, but it will allow our limited water supplies to be used by more people.

"Some residents may believe that we should continue on as we are and then, when the last drop of water has been allotted by the planners, we stop all additional growth. That will keep our area from becoming overpopulated. Those people should be told that we are much closer to that day than they realize. A few years with short snowfalls in the mountains feeding the Colorado River and the truth will come rushing home.

"The time is long past for our state and community leaders to again talk about the economics of water and plan how we want to use the remaining supply. To continue talking and working for greater growth without giving more consideration to our limited water supplies is both arrogant and stupid!"

Wow! I sure caught some heavy flak from several readers who believed additional growth is necessary for survival. When it was published again in 1997 it drew far fewer complaints.

There is no doubt that the Southern Nevada Water Authority has done great work in stretching water supplies to meet the needs of growth. Now it's appropriate to ask if Mother Nature is sending us a final warning that can't be ignored.