Interbasin Transfers

Transferring water from one basin to another is not uncommon in Nevada. Since 1873, many interbasin transfers have occurred in nearly every region of the state.

Carson City, Wendover, Tonopah and Lovelock all have received portions of their municipal water supply from basins outside the hydrographic basin in which they are located.

The Nevada State Engineer considers the following when determining whether an application for an interbasin transfer should be granted:

• Has the applicant justified the need to import the water from another basin?  
• Has the applicant demonstrated the adoption and execution of a water conservation plan?  
• Is the proposed action environmentally sound as it relates to the basin from which the water is exported?  
• Is the proposed action an appropriate long-term use that will not unduly limit the future growth and development in the basin from which the water is exported?