Hearing on Las Vegas ‘water grab’ begins Monday

By Cy Ryan

Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011 | 2:34 p.m.

Opponents label it a “water grab” and say there’s no crisis facing Las Vegas. Supporters maintain the predicted growth of Southern Nevada isn’t being managed and the region’s economy could drop by 10 percent unless more water is imported.

The two sides square off 9 a.m., Monday, Sept. 26, on the application of the Southern Nevada Water Authority to build a pipeline to pump 125,976 acre feet of water from four valleys in rural Nevada.

The water authority maintains it will not be taking water away from any present permit holders. It is seeking the annual recharge of water above what is already allowed from the Spring, Cave Valley, Delamar and Dry Lake valleys in White Pine and Nye counties.

The hearing before the state engineer’s office will extend into November, with State Engineer Jason King possibly making a decision early next year.

The initial cost for the proposed 263-mile pipeline is $3.5 billion, but that number is expected to rise.

In practical terms, John J. Entsminger, senior deputy general manager of the authority, says pipeline construction would make the average user’s water bill rise $30 per month, which is the worst-case scenario — the scenario that presumes there would be no growth in Southern Nevada. Entsminger said UNLV estimates predict flat growth for three to five years but then increasing 2 to 3 percent annually.

There would be no increase in connection fees or the sales tax, says Entsminger.

The water authority says “the economic consequences are immense” if the Las Vegas area does not have sufficient water to meet the growth. Research shows that “even the impression of an insufficient water supply could lead to a ten percent decline in economic activity, resulting in 80,000 jobs lost,” says the authority.

The applications have drawn more than 2,000 protests.

The Great Basin Network, a coalition opposed to the pipeline plan, says the authority “lacks the financial ability and good faith intent to actually build the pipeline project and put the water to the proposed use.” It says the project would have difficulty for getting financing to meet the “astronomical costs.”

Opponents argue the water district has failed to start a number of available low-cost water conservation measures. The Sierra Club says Las Vegas is the highest per-capita water consumer of any southwestern city in the nation. The group suggests the water authority consider a desalinization project to haul water from the Pacific Ocean. Entsminger says that would add $400 million to the proposed pipeline.

The Sierra Club is also worried about the wildlife and vegetation where the water would be pumped from.

Zane Marshall, director of environmental resources for the water authority, says this project won’t turn parts of rural Nevada into a “dust bowl.” He says much of the vegetation will be replaced by other plants that don’t require as much water.

The water district is expected to take the first two weeks of the hearing presenting testimony, answering questions and undergoing cross-examination.