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Nevada Water Science Center

The Nevada Water Science Center is committed to providing reliable and unbiased information on Nevada's water resources to the public, partners, and stakeholders. Our broad data collection network and research provide timely, useful information to keep the public informed, protect life and property, and improve our understanding of water supply and availability across Nevada and adjacent states.

News

Humboldt River Basin Capture Query Tool

Humboldt River Basin Capture Query Tool

2025 in Review: The Saline Lake Ecosystems Integrated Water Availability Assessment

2025 in Review: The Saline Lake Ecosystems Integrated Water Availability Assessment

USGS Water Science Centers Partner at 2025 Lake Tahoe Summit

USGS Water Science Centers Partner at 2025 Lake Tahoe Summit

Publications

Evaluation of stream capture related to groundwater pumping, middle Humboldt River Basin, Nevada Evaluation of stream capture related to groundwater pumping, middle Humboldt River Basin, Nevada

Historical, future, and potential stream capture from groundwater pumping in the middle Humboldt River Basin (MHRB), Nevada, is estimated using a calibrated numerical groundwater flow model. The model was developed to estimate (1) stream capture, which is the change in flux between the groundwater system and the Humboldt River and tributaries, and (2) change in streamflow, which is the...
Authors
Kyle W. Davis, William G. Eldridge, Kip K. Allander, David E. Prudic, Murphy A. Gardner, Michael T. Pavelko, Cara A. Nadler

Sediment accumulation rates and volume in Pahranagat Wash above Arrow Canyon Dam in northern Moapa Valley, Nevada Sediment accumulation rates and volume in Pahranagat Wash above Arrow Canyon Dam in northern Moapa Valley, Nevada

An evaluation of sediment deposition rates and volume of impounded sediments in Pahranagat Wash behind Arrow Canyon dam in southeastern Nevada was done between 2016 and 2022. Data were collected and interpreted to address concerns by the Moapa Band of Paiutes and local historical preservation groups regarding the burial of culturally important sites by the impounded sediment deposited...
Authors
Jon W. Wilson, Boris Poff, Christopher C. Fuller

Conceptual and numerical groundwater flow model of the Iowa River alluvial aquifer near Tama County, Iowa, 1980 through 2022 Conceptual and numerical groundwater flow model of the Iowa River alluvial aquifer near Tama County, Iowa, 1980 through 2022

The Iowa River alluvial aquifer is an important source of water on the Meskwaki Settlement in Tama County, Iowa, which is land owned by the Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa (commonly known as the Meskwaki Nation). The U.S. Geological Survey constructed a groundwater flow model, including a conceptual and numerical model, of the Iowa River alluvial aquifer and underlying...
Authors
Kendall M.F. Goldstein, Kyle W. Davis

Science

Science in the Humboldt River Basin

The Humboldt River flows east to west through north-central Nevada and is about 330 miles long. It is an important water source for residents and agriculture, and it also supports one of Nevada’s largest industries—gold mining. Most of the state’s mines are in the Humboldt River Basin along the Carlin Trend. Nevada produces about 72 percent of all U.S. gold, making it the fifth largest producer in...
Science in the Humboldt River Basin

Science in the Humboldt River Basin

The Humboldt River flows east to west through north-central Nevada and is about 330 miles long. It is an important water source for residents and agriculture, and it also supports one of Nevada’s largest industries—gold mining. Most of the state’s mines are in the Humboldt River Basin along the Carlin Trend. Nevada produces about 72 percent of all U.S. gold, making it the fifth largest producer in...
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Evaluation of Streamflow Depletion Related to Groundwater Withdrawal, Humboldt River Basin

This project evaluates how groundwater withdrawals affect streamflow in the Humboldt River Basin. It focuses on understanding the timing, magnitude, and causes of streamflow depletion, including agricultural pumping and mine dewatering, to support sustainable water management in Nevada.
Evaluation of Streamflow Depletion Related to Groundwater Withdrawal, Humboldt River Basin

Evaluation of Streamflow Depletion Related to Groundwater Withdrawal, Humboldt River Basin

This project evaluates how groundwater withdrawals affect streamflow in the Humboldt River Basin. It focuses on understanding the timing, magnitude, and causes of streamflow depletion, including agricultural pumping and mine dewatering, to support sustainable water management in Nevada.
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Science in the Colorado River Basin

The Colorado River is one of the longest rivers in the Western United States. It begins in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and flows southwestward until it reaches Mexico where it becomes a small stream or dry riverbed. The Colorado River forms the border between southeastern Nevada and northwestern Arizona. In Nevada, Hoover Dam and Davis Dam control the flow of the river and create two...
Science in the Colorado River Basin

Science in the Colorado River Basin

The Colorado River is one of the longest rivers in the Western United States. It begins in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and flows southwestward until it reaches Mexico where it becomes a small stream or dry riverbed. The Colorado River forms the border between southeastern Nevada and northwestern Arizona. In Nevada, Hoover Dam and Davis Dam control the flow of the river and create two...
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