InTeGrate Modules and Courses >Water Science and Society > Student Materials > Module 8.1: Cities in Peril: Dealing with Water Scarcity – History and Current Approaches > Cities In Peril: Las Vegas > Water Banking
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These materials are part of a collection of classroom-tested modules and courses developed by InTeGrate. The materials engage students in understanding the earth system as it intertwines with key societal issues. The collection is freely available and ready to be adapted by undergraduate educators across a range of courses including: general education or majors courses in Earth-focused disciplines such as geoscience or environmental science, social science, engineering, and other sciences, as well as courses for interdisciplinary programs.
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Initial Publication Date: March 31, 2017

Water Banking

As another hedge against water shortage and climate change, the Southern Nevada Water Authority has entered into a series of "Water Banking" agreements with other the Lower Basin Colorado River states, Arizona and California. In these agreements, Nevada pays the other Colorado River water rights holders to store unused water in times of surplus by injecting it into aquifers. Nevada then receives credits for the stored water; if the water is needed, Nevada uses the credits to draw the equivalent water from Lake Mead, and in exchange the "banker" withdraws the same amount from the aquifer. Although pumping is energy intensive, groundwater banking does not require construction of large reservoirs, and the water is not subject to large evaporative losses.

In its water banking agreement with Arizona, the SNWA paid $100 M initially, and began making yearly $23 M payments in 2009 that will continue through 2019. The agreement allows the SNWA to withdraw up to 40,000 acre-feet per year. In 2004, SNWA also began a water banking agreement with the Southern California Metropolitan Water District (the water district that serves L.A.) in which some of Nevada's surplus Colorado River water is stored in an aquifer in Southern California. The agreement allows the SNWA to withdraw up to 30,000 acre-feet per year, provided that they give 6 months notice. Since 1987, Southern Nevada has also been banking its own surplus water – when available - in the valley's aquifer for later use if needed. To date, about 330,000 acre feet have been stored.

Learning Checkpoint

1) How much is the cost of water banking per acre-foot? Do you think that's worth it – and how does it compare to the cost of other water resources?


2) Do you see a problem with the water banking approach to mitigating drought? Do you think it is sustainable in the long-term? Why or why not?



These materials are part of a collection of classroom-tested modules and courses developed by InTeGrate. The materials engage students in understanding the earth system as it intertwines with key societal issues. The collection is freely available and ready to be adapted by undergraduate educators across a range of courses including: general education or majors courses in Earth-focused disciplines such as geoscience or environmental science, social science, engineering, and other sciences, as well as courses for interdisciplinary programs.
Explore the Collection »