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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

USGS Water Science Centers Partner at 2025 Lake Tahoe Summit

USGS Water Science Centers Partner at 2025 Lake Tahoe Summit

New USGS-NNSS Regional Groundwater Explorer

New USGS-NNSS Regional Groundwater Explorer

Central Plains Water Science Center Quarterly Newsletter - March 2025

Central Plains Water Science Center Quarterly Newsletter - March 2025

Publications

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

Evaluation of polymer-based dust palliatives in soil and stormwater runoff in an arid environment Evaluation of polymer-based dust palliatives in soil and stormwater runoff in an arid environment

Dust palliatives are used to reduce fugitive dust in areas susceptible to erosion by wind and rain. In 2015, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) temporarily approved the use of polymer-based dust palliatives during the construction and operation of a solar energy facility and, in 2019, on a mining access road in Clark County, Nevada. The areas treated with palliative are habitat to the...
Authors
Angela Paul, Erin L. Orozco-Whitaker, S. Shamsuddin, Peng Xiang, Eric Landry

Science

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 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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Evaporation from Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, Lower Colorado River Basin, Nevada and Arizona

Since 2010, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Nevada Water Science Center (NVWSC) has worked with with the Bureau of Reclamation to update evaporation estimates for Lake Mead.
Evaporation from Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, Lower Colorado River Basin, Nevada and Arizona

Evaporation from Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, Lower Colorado River Basin, Nevada and Arizona

Since 2010, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Nevada Water Science Center (NVWSC) has worked with with the Bureau of Reclamation to update evaporation estimates for Lake Mead.
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