Snake Valley Water Study Open for Public Comment

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) A new study of groundwater in Snake Valley shows H2O flowing at a greater rate from Nevada to Utah than previously thought. The U.S. Geological Survey has released a draft report for public comment. Utah Deputy State Water Engineer Boyd Clayton says the information mainly confirms suspicions, but does little to solve the underlying issue of how much of the water Nevada and Utah are entitled to pump.

Snake Valley ranchers have for months pleaded with Utah officials not to cede any water to Nevada. Earlier this year Nevada authorities approved a plan to pump significant water from a nearby aquifer for ten years before reviewing the project. Utah officials have said a similar approach may work for Snake Valley negotiations. Critics say ten years of pumping could be too late, and insisted Utah wait for the USGS study before finalizing an agreement. Public comments will be accepted on the report until August 1st and a final version will be published by the beginning of December.

Click here for a link to the USGS report website where public comments are being collected until August 1st 2007. 

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2008 KCPW