Meetings to detail Snake Valley wells

A pair of meetings this week will detail results so far of well-drilling operations in Snake Valley.

Wednesday's meeting will be at the Bristlecone Convention Center in Ely, Nev., and Thursday's event is at the Great Basin National Park visitors' center in Baker, Nev. Both are set for 6 to 8 p.m.

Hosted by the U.S. Geological Survey and the University of Nevada at Reno, the meetings will provide information learned by project scientists since well drilling began Sept. 5 and update residents on the work plan for the next six months.

Observation wells have been completed at the Snake Creek, Baker Creek and Big Springs sites.

Project scientists will explain how the wells were drilled, what was learned about potential configurations of aquifers, how tests were conducted and what potential connections there are between creeks and the groundwater system.

The studies are being done as demand for water grows, according to the USGS. Aquifers in southern Spring and Snake valleys have been identified as potential sources, but the aquifers provide water to springs, streams, limestone caves and other biologically sensitive areas, according to the USGS.

Also at issue is a proposed water-sharing agreement penned by negotiating teams from Nevada and Utah that divvies up water from the Snake Valley aquifer.

Language in a congressional act mandates that before any water is tapped from Snake Valley — which straddles the border of the two states — an agreement must be reached by the states.

The Southern Nevada Water Authority has sought water rights in the area in support of a 285-mile pipeline it wants to construct to convey water to Las Vegas. Last month, a Nevada judge reversed the state engineer's grant of water-right applications to the water authority in three valleys in the same geographical vicinity, asserting the engineer's decision was "arbitrary."

The water authority said it intends to appeal to the Nevada Supreme Court.

e-mail: amyjoi@desnews.com