Description:The U.S. Geological
Survey and the Nevada Division of Water Resources, Department of Conservation
and Natural Resources, divided the state into discrete hydrologic units for
water planning and management purposes. These administrative boundaries have
been identified as 232 Hydrographic Basins (1-232; hydrographic sub-basins
designated A, B, C, etc.) within 14 major Hydrographic Regions. There are a
total of 256 hydrographic basins and sub-basins. Designation indicates whether
a hydrographic basin has been identified as a basin where permitted ground
water rights approach or exceed the estimated average annual recharge and the
water resources are being depleted or require additional administration. Under
such conditions, the State Engineer may designate a groundwater basin and, in
the interest of public welfare, declare preferred uses (e.g., municipal and
industrial, domestic, agriculture, etc.) (Nevada Revised Statute 534.120) . The
State Engineer has additional authority in the administration of the water resources
within a designated groundwater basin.