Nevada Water Law: Rights and Resources

Search by order number, order date, basin, or type.(1941 - current).

June 15, 2020

"The mission of the Nevada Division of Water Resources (NDWR) is to conserve, protect, manage and enhance the State's water resources for Nevada's citizens through the appropriation and reallocation of the public waters. In addition, the Division is responsible for quantifying existing water rights; monitoring water use; distributing water in accordance with court decrees; reviewing water availability for new subdivisions and condominiums; reviewing the construction and operation of dams; appropriating geothermal water; licensing and regulating well drillers and water rights surveyors; reviewing flood control projects; monitoring water resource data and records; and providing technical assistance to the public and governmental agencies."

From the website, "Nevada's first water statute was enacted in 1866 and has been amended many times since then. Today, the law serves the people of Nevada by managing the state's valuable water resources in a fair and equitable manner. Nevada water law has the flexibility to accommodate new and growing uses of water in Nevada while protecting those who have used the water in the past.

Nevada water law is based on two fundamental concepts: prior appropriation and beneficial use. Prior appropriation (also known as "first in time, first in right") allows for the orderly use of the state's water resources by granting priority to senior water rights. This concept ensures the senior uses are protected, even as new uses for water are allocated.

All water may be appropriated for beneficial use as provided in Chapters 533 and 534 of the Nevada Revised Statutes (referred hereafter as NRS). Irrigation, mining, recreation, commercial/industrial and municipal uses are examples of beneficial uses, among others."

Follow this link for forms from the Division of Water Resources including water rights applications, well drilling permits, and more.

Organized by city.

Upcoming and past hearings.

Includes Carson, Humbolt, Truckee, and Walker rivers.

"In 1944, a small group of water professionals came together to address water issues related to agriculture and groundwater in Nevada. Today, over 75 years later, what began as a small group addressing a narrow scope of water issues, has transformed into NWRA, an association of multi-disciplinary professionals committed to understanding, developing, conserving, and protecting Nevada’s water resources.

NWRA has an annual membership of four hundred and fifty (450) professional members. It is a non-profit organization directed by a Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees is comprised of 17 professionals with varying credentials, knowledge and expertise in water issues in Nevada. Board members serve on a voluntary basis and are selected from each district in the state. The Board also includes several non-voting student members who volunteer to keep the Board connected with student needs and interests. NWRA members and board members take pride in meeting NWRA’s mission to provide objective information, training and education related to key issues regarding Nevada’s critical water resources. NWRA offers a variety of professional, enjoyable forums to fulfill this mission."

Conference materials and webinars.

2018 Groundwater Managment Plan, water data and levels, water conversation and education.

"The Natural Resources Division (NRD) of the Colorado River Commission of Nevada (CRC) is responsible for protecting the rights and interests of the State of Nevada’s allocated share of Colorado River water. The CRC represents the state through participation in local, state and federal water and environmental programs that directly or indirectly touch the Colorado River."

October 2023