Water quality, resources and partnerships between the University of Nevada, Reno and regional water managers were discussed at the Truckee River Watershed Symposium, May 1-2, at the Western Heritage Interpretive Center at Bartley Ranch Regional Park.

The annual event, hosted by the University’s Nevada Water Innovation Institute (NWII), focuses on the Truckee River Watershed. This hydrologic system starting at Lake Tahoe and ending at Pyramid Lake, supplies water to Washoe, Storey, Lyon and Churchill counties in Nevada as well as areas of California. Challenges facing the watershed include urban development, climate change and wildfire impacts, along with balancing water needs among agricultural, municipal and tribal stakeholders.

“This symposium represents more than just an exchange of knowledge,” Vice President for Research and Innovation Mridul Gautam said. “I view symposiums and workshops as spaces where interdisciplinary collaborations thrive, where University researchers, community leaders, agencies and stakeholders unite around a shared vision: in this case, a healthier, more resilient Truckee River Watershed.”

University researchers and water experts presented research in the areas of water quality protection, water resource resilience and environmental water resource management. Speakers included biology Professor Sudeep Chandra from the University’s Global Water Center and Environmental Engineering Professor Eric Marchand from NWII.

For more about regional water research and partnership, visit the NWII website.