Continued . . . 

Thus, TCID acts in a dual capacity with respect to the Newlands Project – as the duly established and elected representative of the water right owners within the Project and as an independent contractor of the federal government in the operation and management of the Project. In the ordinary course of day-to-day operations, this dual role creates no conflict for TCID. 

From time to time, however, a conflict may arise. When the federal government, acting through the Bureau of Reclamation, promulgates a rule or regulation, or issues an edict under those rules and regulations, which the District believes is arbitrary, capricious, unreasonable or contrary to law – thus violating the rights or impairing the interests of project water right owners – TCID must support the water right owners and oppose the action of the United States. (The latter scenario has unfortunately become more and more common during the last twenty years or so, as the federal government, in league with others, has sought to constrict agricultural use of water in favor of users that are more "politically correct.")

During a normal water year, the District delivers water to about 2,500 water users and delivers 215,000 acre feet of water primarily for agricultural use. The water supply is provided by the Truckee River at Derby Dam and the storage of water at Lahontan Reservoir is 300,000 acre feet. The Truckee River originates at lake Tahoe which stores up to six feet of water behind the dam for providing flows all year long – normally – to the Truckee River. The Truckee River serves the agricultural interests in the Reno/Sparks area, those interests below Reno along the Truckee River, the agricultural lands at Pyramid Lake, and then it is available for diversion at Derby Dam for Project uses. 

The Project is generally the last priority for diversion of water from the Truckee River. Lahontan Dam is, for the most part, the last priority on the Carson River. In addition, the District owns the storage at Donner Lake which is used to supplement the water supply for the Project water users.

The District employs about 55 individuals and has an annual operating budget of about $3.5 million. It is estimated that agriculture contributes 30% to 40% of the current economy of Churchill County.

If you are interested in learning more about the Project and its history, there is an excellent book entitled, "Turn This Water Into Gold – the Story of the Newlands Project" written by John M. Townley which was published by the Nevada Historical Society. The book is available for sale for $15.00 at the District’s office. A video is available for sale at the Churchill County Museum for $10.00. However, if you purchase both the book and video, the cost is $20.00, a savings of $5.00.

Click here to read more about the History of the Newlands Project.