Summary
Colby Pellegrino is the Deputy General Manager of Resources for the Southern Nevada Water Authority and the Las Vegas Valley Water District. Ms. Pellegrino serves as an instrumental part of the Water Resources division, supporting Colorado River modeling efforts to anticipate changes caused by climate change, reduced flows, and other inputs. In her current capacity, she is responsible for the management of the Water Authority’s water resource portfolio, which includes protecting Nevada’s interests and rights to Colorado River water through interstate negotiations, developing regional water conservation programs, managing groundwater resources, and water resource planning.
Discover Science Lecture | Dwindling and Dry: Colorado River Supply
After more than 20 years of the most severe drought ever recorded in the region, scientists believe the Colorado River Basin is experiencing a permanent shift to a drier future. While places dependent on the river have reduced their water usage, it’s not enough. If Lake Mead’s elevation continues to drop, Nevada will lose significant water allocation, Hoover Dam will lose its ability to generate power, and downstream users in Arizona, California and Mexico will receive little or no water. Colby Pellegrino, an expert on Colorado River water allocation, will share insights about current allocation negotiations and water resource planning for the future.