Northern Nevada Water Planning Commission Meeting – October 7, 2026

The Northern Nevada Water Planning Commission (NNWPC) convened on October 7, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. to review the Cold Springs Water Balance Report, accept draft chapters of the 2026-2045 Regional Water Management Plan, and conduct the Fiscal Year 2028 priority setting session. All items were approved unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Agenda: Motion by Commissioner Crump, second by Commissioner Sosa; unanimous.
• Approval of Minutes (August 5, 2026): Motion by Commissioner Crump, second by Commissioner Sosa; unanimous.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were offered at the beginning or end of the meeting.

Discussion Items

• Cold Springs Water Balance Report: Dwayne Smith (Washoe County) and Claire Archer (Stantec, hydrogeologist) presented the first predictive scenario—a full build‑out (worst‑case) model for the Cold Springs hydrobasin. The model simulated 40 years (2023‑2063) and found:
  • Groundwater levels in the deeper aquifer could decline near pumping wells north of White Lake, potentially causing well‑efficiency problems.
  • Shallow aquifer levels could rise adjacent to the wastewater reclamation facility and south of White Lake due to increased runoff, leading to groundwater mounding at rapid infiltration basins (RIBs) and potential flooding east and south of White Lake.
  • White Lake stage was predicted to increase by approximately 4.2 feet over 40 years, with maximum stage about 15 years into the simulation.
  • The perennial yield of the Cold Springs basin was re‑estimated between 1,700 acre‑feet per year (native yield) and 3,600 acre‑feet per year (with maximum capture by strategic pumping).
  • A separate scenario using recycled water to mitigate undesirable effects is already under development.
• 2026‑2045 Regional Water Management Plan – Draft Chapters 2, 7, 9, 10, and Executive Summary:
  • Kim Rigdon (Program Manager, WRWC) presented the chapters, noting they are near‑final drafts.
  • Chapter 2 (Regional Water Resources): Updated baseline sustainable resource of approximately 193,997 acre‑feet annually (a slight increase from the August consensus forecast).
  • Chapter 7 (Growth and Regional Water Outlook): No water supply deficits projected; all wastewater facilities are expected to meet 2045 demands except the Cold Springs Water Reclamation Facility, for which a facility plan is already underway.
  • Chapter 9 (Infrastructure Investment): Presented by Catherine Hansford. The five‑year capital improvement plan (2026‑2031) is estimated at $1.3 billion (in 2026 dollars), of which 65% is for rehabilitation and 35% for new growth. Water supply accounts for 50% of planned expenditures, wastewater 31%, stormwater and flood control 19%. User fees are not the primary driver of development pace or location.
  • Chapter 10 (Implementation Priorities): Reorganized around regional issues rather than planning areas, providing flexibility to update priorities without plan amendments. Priority subjects align with legislative requirements and ongoing initiatives.
  • Executive Summary: Highlights the five‑year implementation framework and the roles of the Water Planning Commission and WRWC.
• Fiscal Year 2028 Priority Setting Session: Members ranked 20 existing projects (no new projects were proposed). The top subject was wastewater (regionalization feasibility study), followed by flood control/stormwater conveyance. Total funding needed is approximately $2.7 million, within the FY28 budget estimate.
• Future Meeting Dates: Staff proposed moving NNWPC meetings to the first Monday of each month to avoid conflicts with Reno City Council meetings; WRWC meetings would move to the second Wednesday. Confirmation via email was requested.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to Accept Draft Chapters (2, 7, 9, 10, and Executive Summary): Moved by Commissioner Crump, seconded by Commissioner Inlow. Approved unanimously. Staff directed to post the accepted drafts on the website for public review.
• Motion on FY28 Priority Setting: Moved by Commissioner Henderson, seconded by Commissioner Crump. Approved unanimously. Staff directed to evaluate the results and present them to the WRWC at the concurrent meeting on October 22, 2026.
• Recognition: Commissioner John Enlow presented Program Manager Kim Rigdon with a five‑year service award from Washoe County.