According to recent findings from researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Nevada outperforms its neighboring states in the reuse of wastewater, achieving a remarkable rate of 85 percent. The study highlights the state’s efficient management of a critical resource in the Colorado River Basin.

The Leader in Wastewater Reuse

By analyzing previously inaccessible data on wastewater practices, UCLA researchers demonstrated that Nevada leads the seven states sharing the Colorado River, with Arizona trailing at just 52 percent. In stark contrast, Wyoming and Utah lag behind, with reuse rates of 3.3 percent and 1 percent, respectively. California, a significant player in regional water management, manages to recover approximately 22 percent of its wastewater.

Notably, if California could increase its recycling efforts to just 30 percent, it would save nearly 993,000 acre-feet of water annually—more than three times the amount allocated to Nevada from the Colorado River.

The Importance of Efficient Practices

As climate conditions shift towards hotter and drier environments, the urgency for effective water reuse solutions is paramount. Noah Garrison, a UCLA water researcher, emphasizes the need for a paradigm shift away from merely preserving allocation and constructing storage. “Wastewater reuse is one of a suite of practices that we absolutely need to be investing in if we’re going to meet these challenges,” he said.

Las Vegas: A Model of Efficienct Water Use

The perception of Las Vegas as an emblem of excess is challenged by its innovative water management strategies. The Las Vegas Wash, a manmade river extending 12 miles, plays a crucial role in recycling efforts, returning over 200 million gallons of treated wastewater to Lake Mead daily. Bronson Mack from the Southern Nevada Water Authority notes, “We could turn on every shower and faucet in every hotel room on the Strip, and it would not increase the amount of water we consume from the Colorado River because it is all being safely and sustainably returned to the lake.”

The Role of Policy and Return-Flow Credits

Nevada’s high reuse rate can be attributed to proactive policies stemming from historical context. Following the 1922 Colorado River Compact, which allocated water resources among states, Nevada was assigned only 300,000 acre-feet, the least among the seven states. This limitation necessitated a focus on wastewater recycling. Return-flow credits allow Nevada to use additional water beyond its compact allocation, thus incentivizing efficient reclamation practices.

A Call for Collaborative Action

The report underlines disparities among states regarding wastewater reuse, citing reasons such as funding limitations and existing legal frameworks. To address these issues, the authors urge the Environmental Protection Agency to collaborate with states in setting measurable goals for wastewater reuse, enhance data collection methods, and establish financial support mechanisms for related projects.

Mark Gold from UCLA underscores the urgency for state collaboration, stating, “There’s nothing more essential in this world than water. It’s part of our infrastructure, and we’re not investing in it adequately.” The report also highlights Nevada’s commitment of $750 million in 2021 towards Southern California’s Pure Water initiative as a positive example of inter-state cooperation.

Future Projections

With strategic investments in wastewater reuse, experts believe that the seven states could see up to 1 million acre-feet of water returned to the Colorado River system annually within the next 10 to 15 years. Such an effort would be critical for sustaining water resources in an increasingly challenging climate landscape.