Nevada, recognized as the driest state in the United States, is once again facing drought conditions. "We're pretty good at handling drought in Nevada. We have a lot of practice," said Steph McAfee, an associate professor in the Department of Geography and the Nevada State Climatologist. "But we're probably going to be moving into a future where we need to get even better at dealing with it, where droughts are going to be more common and more severe."
The state has been experiencing drought since late 2019, with these events becoming increasingly frequent and impactful. The combination of warming temperatures due to climate change and ongoing drought contributes to reduced water availability as water evaporates more quickly from natural sources such as rivers, lakes, soil, and snow.
"If you live in Reno, a lot of your water comes from the Sierra Nevada," McAfee explained. "Your water is rainfall; it falls as snow. If you live in the more rural parts of the state, you're more likely to rely on groundwater." She noted that while groundwater might appear to be a viable source, its replenishment takes significantly longer than reservoirs—sometimes thousands of years.
To address these challenges, McAfee recommends proactive planning for water conservation. "The time to think about and plan about drought is not when we're in one. We want to keep those planning ideas front and center," she stated. Simple measures include adhering to any local water restrictions, watering plants during cooler times of day to reduce evaporation, and covering pools when not in use.
For long-term solutions, individuals can consider installing water-smart fixtures during home renovations or choosing low-water-use appliances when replacing items like washing machines or dishwashers. Landscaping with native plants instead of traditional lawns can also conserve water effectively.
McAfee emphasized that these small actions can lead not only to significant water savings but also financial savings on water bills. "A lot of those little water-saving things add up," she mentioned. "This drought will end, but there will be another one. In between, that's a great time to be keeping in mind: 'How can I be better set up for the next drought?'"