FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 4, 2010

LAS VEGAS - The public is invited to participate in a panel discussion with scientific leaders and stakeholders on how climate variability influences the decisions we’re making regarding the long-term water source for Southern Nevada.

• WHO: Doug Boyle, DRI; Terry Fulp, Bureau of Reclamation; Pat Mulroy, SNWA; Tom Piechota, UNLV; Stephen Wells, DRI

• WHEN: Friday, February 26, 11:30 a.m.

• WHERE: DRI’S Boulder City laboratory, 1500 Buchanan Blvd

The panel conversation will touch on diversifying water sources, improving predictive climate and river flow modeling, and potentially changing future policies that could influence water conservation and use.

“The lab in Boulder City serves as the perfect setting for our discussion about the uncertain future of southern Nevada’s water supply,” said Stephen Wells, DRI President. “The panelists are experts on this topic, and will provide great insights in how climate may influence the decisions regarding the long-term water source for southern Nevada.”

The event will also include a tour of DRI’s Laboratory in Boulder City that houses the underground weighing lysimeter.

“The lab was funded to give researchers precise measurements on the interactions among soil, water, and plants in arid settings,” said Michael Young, Interim Director of DRI’s Division of Hydrologic Sciences. “Predicting water recharge and other desert processes is very difficult without this understanding.”