Cost-Benefit Analysis of Artificial Recharge in Las Vegas Valley, Nevada

Abstract

An integral part of groundwater management in Las Vegas Valley, Nev., is artificial recharge. Artificial groundwater recharge started in the late 1980s and as of the year 2000, the Southern Nevada Water Authority entities have recharged over 246,000,000 m3 (200,000 acre-ft) of water, which is in storage in the valley’s aquifer system. Benefits from artificial recharge accrue to all valley residents, but in particular to municipal-industrial, domestic, public supply, and commercial well owners. The benefits are lower energy costs for pumping, decreased need to deepen wells, lower maintenance for wells that could potentially be damaged by subsidence, and additional water for the aquifer system. Although artificial recharge is currently a “free” benefit to all nonmunicipal groundwater pumpers, active management of the aquifer system would be enhanced by participation of all users in the artificial recharge program. In an effort to include all groundwater pumpers in the management of the aquifer system, a groundwater management program (GMP) was established. The costs and benefits for participation by nonmunicipal groundwater pumpers are presented, indicating a savings of about $700 annually for nonmunicipal members of the GMP.