As a retired Water Court Referee, I found the first NV State Engineer's 40 page opinion to be based on the facts, law and the evidence that were presented in the 19 year old case before him. The pending case will have different facts and evidence for the State Engineer to consider.

All parties in these matters have been offered knowledge of a truly new fresh water Source that on average could annually provide Nevada with a million acre feet, which is 50 times the 18000 AF the SNWA was just awarded. No one chose to have such an alternative presented for consideration by the State Engineer.

Water from the new Source could be beneficially used in many ways. One of the secondary uses of the water could certainly be for renewable hydroelectric power generation in Lake Mead, especially in light of the fact that it is predicted to dry up soon. Nevada's power company made a preliminary investigation of the new Source and concluded in writing that it was "definitely plausible" and recommended in writing that the SNWA too investigate.

It will take many years before the proposed SNWA wells do or do not mine the desert aquifers. Adequate monitoring will be provided for in the State Engineer's rulings. That too will be argued every drop of the way to Las Vegas.

It is interesting that Nevada has no interest in a water resource that ADDS considerable water to the State without damage to the environment or anyone's water rights. Rarely is such an offer ever been made, anywhere. Usually only criticism, conservation and curtailment are offered up for the water shortage dilemmas facing the region.

The new Source could provide enough water for other agencies ready willing and able to help pay for the SNWA pipeline and the plans of Utah, Calfornia and Arizona.

The Bureau of Reclamation could coordinate such a regional approach, but they have not been asked by Nevada to investigate the possiblities.

Ray Walker (Retired Water Rights Analyst) waterrdw@yahoo.com

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED !

My brother and I agree to present a viable alternative that can protect Nevada and the SNWA community in the absence of Lake Mead !

For four (4) years, we have offered Nevada, the Bureau of Reclamation and the SNWA a truly new Source of fresh water that will keep Lake Mead reasonably full. In addition, the Source can provide a primary Source of potable water for all of the endeavors of the SNWA, including an insurance policy in the event their well depletions are proven problematic. Development of the Source will not damage the environment or the water rights of anyone, anywhere. Water from the Source is legally available and economically feasible to develop.

Last year, Nevada's power company reviewed the Source and concluded in writing that the Source was definitely plausible!

The Source can also provide all of water needs of the St. George area.

Nevada and the SNWA can choose any knowledgeable water attorney and/or water engineers to confidentially analyze the Source and make a timely report to determine if we have met SNWA's CHALLENGE !

SNWA, we hereby call your bluff ! What's the bet.... the future of Nevada & Lake Mead ?

Ray Walker (Retired Water Rights Analyst) waterrdw@yahoo.com

Would a million acre feet of fresh water a year solve the dilemma of the situation ? If so, let's talk...Ray Walker (Retired Water Rights Analyst) waterrdw@yahoo.com

There is an alternative to the well fields proposed by the Southern Nevada Water Authority !

Nevada, Las Vegas, Environmental Defense and the ranchers in Spring Valley have all been offered an alternative fresh water Source of TRIPLE Nevada’s present water resources ! Development of the Source has been guaranteed not to damage the water rights of anyone, anywhere or the environment; the Source is legally available and economically feasible.

Wonder why there is absolutely no interest in a simple investigation to verify this Source.

Mining of the Spring/Snake Valley aquifers will undoubtedly occur over time. In the last 70 years assurances were also made that well depletions would not create similar mining scenarios in the Rio Grande, South Platte and Arkansas River basins….all assurances delivered only geologic voids and greatly diminished the flow of these once magnificent ribbons of life.

Maybe none of these entities really want a water solution….

Litigation will certainly create mountains of promising paper, but not a single new drop of water for Nevada ….

Such is life…. and death in the desert.

Ray Walker (Retired Water Rights Analyst)
waterrdw@yahoo.com

A truely NEW fresh water Source of one million acre feet of water EACH YEAR for Nevada would not only solve Nevada's water dilemmas, but the excess & reuse could be held in storage for peak power needs which would include safeguarding the 1800 megawatts generated by Lake Mead. The storage facilities and generation plants for the peak power generation, already exist ! Development of the Source will not damage the water rights of others or the environment. The Source is legally available and economically feasible. WaterSource waterrdw@yahoo.com