The recent report from UCLA highlights Nevada’s leading position in wastewater reuse within the Colorado River Basin, achieving an impressive 85 percent rate of recycling. This success largely stems from strategic policies and the necessity to optimize limited water resources. Nevada’s efforts are exemplified by initiatives like the Las Vegas Wash, which recycles substantial amounts of treated wastewater back into Lake Mead, earning return-flow credits that allow the state to utilize more water than its compact allocation.
In contrast, other states in the basin lag behind, with Arizona reusing 52 percent of its wastewater while California manages 22 percent. The report suggests that if California could increase its recycling to 30 percent, it could significantly boost its water savings.
The researchers advocate for a collaborative approach among the seven basin states, urging the Environmental Protection Agency to set standardized reuse goals, enhance data collection, and develop funding strategies. They emphasize the need for more robust investment in water infrastructure to address the growing challenges of water scarcity in the region. The potential for substantial water savings exists if states and federal entities commit to expanding wastewater reuse initiatives, potentially adding up to 1 million acre-feet of water back into the system annually over the next decade or so.
