Northern Nevada Water Planning Commission Meeting | October 7th, 2026

The Northern Nevada Water Planning Commission meeting was held October 7, 2026 (the metadata lists October 8). The commission received a Cold Springs Basin water-balance modeling update: a 40-year full-buildout scenario projected groundwater mounding near wastewater reclamation infiltration basins, possible groundwater declines near some pumping wells, and a potential increase in White Lake stage of about 4.2 feet. The estimated basin perennial yield was 1,700–3,600 acre-feet per year. Staff said they are modeling a follow-up scenario involving recycled water to mitigate potential impacts. The commission also reviewed draft chapters of the 2026–2045 Regional Water Management Plan; its planning-level assessment found no projected regional water-supply deficits, while identifying the Cold Springs Water Reclamation Facility as an area with facility planning underway.

The plan’s infrastructure chapter estimated about $1.3 billion in regional five-year capital improvement spending, with roughly 65% for community investment and rehabilitation; the Truckee River Flood Project accounts for the majority of that category. Water supply represents about half of projected expenditures, including an estimated $65 million for recycled and advanced purified water. Agencies retain responsibility for their own budgets, financing, and rates. In a separate FY28 priority-setting exercise, wastewater ranked highest and flood control/stormwater conveyance second. The draft program budget was about $2.7 million, compared with $3.1 million budgeted the prior year, including a provisional $900,000 contingency. The commission voted to direct staff to evaluate the priority-setting results and prepare them for presentation to the Western Regional Water Commission at the October 22 concurrent meeting. No contract awards or vendor selections were identified.