Are you looking for ways to support your local agricultural community this summer? Reno is crawling with local farmers markets that feature products from local farmers and ranchers. On April 21, a new farm stand by farmer owned Reno Food Systems opened. This program directs education on agricultural policies as part of its market program. Reno Food Systems farm stand is open on Sundays from 3 to 7 pm. Also, be sure to stop by the Riverside Farmers Market, located at Idlewild Park. This farmers market is open year-round on Sundays, and their central location allows a walk along the Truckee River after browsing the vendors. Although we would venture to say fresh produce is the best part of local markets, you can also find household items and handmade gifts at these Reno farmers markets.

Supporting members of our community that provide underappreciated products, such as a healthy food system, is something Schroeder Law Offices encourages. Nevada has a thriving agricultural community, and this is in large part maintained by protecting our water resources. At Schroeder Law Offices, we strive to provide farmers and ranchers with tools to maintain their businesses and support their local communities.

How is it that after another heavy snowfall in the Sierra, the Nevada Irrigation District (“NID”) declared a water shortage emergency within its’ service boundaries? In March of 2024, NID’s General Manager’s Newsletter requested customers cut their water use by 20% for the remainer of the year. Although the reduction is voluntary, water users in Placer and Nevada County face a limited water supply.

This declared “water reduction” emergency results from unanticipated infrastructure repairs in the Sierra Nevada headwaters. Although a sufficient water supply exists in the headwaters, a landslide produced severe damage to the Pacific Gas & Electric Company’s (“PG&E”) portion of the South Yuba Canal. Conveyance to foothill reservoirs is near impossible until repairs are made to the canal.

The South Yuba Canal acts as the primary source of water to NID’s Deer Creek System and Scotts Flat Reservoir. Given the damage, the District has limited access to normal watershed runoff and cannot recharge the South Yuba or Drum Canals. Further, a PG&E powerhouse “sustained a failure that curtailed flows into the Drum Canal that provides water to Rollins Reservoir and the Bear River”. According to the March newsletter, the PG&E should complete repairs by June 8th.

What About Irrigators in the NID?

With the irrigation season scheduled to start on April 15th, the timing poses huge inconveniences to agricultural customers. Irrigators in the District must rely on existing stored water in the Scotts Flat and Rollins reservoirs. The NID Board of Directors expressed concerns about relying upon limited water storage if the outage extends into the summer. NID estimated that any delays in repairing the South Yuba Canal will result in mandatory water restrictions.

NID provides irrigation and drinking water to more than 25,000 customers. This District is also a leading water agency in the production of clean hydropower. Many individuals and companies will be greatly affected by this situation. Lake levels over the summer could also be affected.

If you are affected by water shortage consider this article on how to locate a water rights attorney.

Although the State of Nevada is well known for its’ economic sector in gaming, agricultural production is critical to many Nevada residents. Like most farmers in the arid West, Nevada farmers rely heavily on irrigation for crop production.

In the western part of Nevada, seasonal irrigation is primarily based on water that comes from snow-melt in the Sierra Nevada. Alfalfa is the primary irrigated crop, given the market demand for feeding livestock. Alfalfa, a perennial, has been a staple of crop production in Nevada for many years because when irrigated, alfalfa can provide up to four crops a year. Nevertheless, long-standing drought conditions, where water delivery allocations provide only enough water to irrigate one crop has encouraged individuals to diversify to other crops. An article presented by the University of Nevada, Reno presents potential additional benefits such as conserving soil moisture and sustainable production Crop Diversification | Extension (unr.edu).

Becoming more familiar with your “paper” water rights, and the history of water delivery allocations under them, may allow a farmer to better evaluate the potential benefits of diversifying from alfalfa, that provides a four crop return, to other crops that may only allow a one or two crop return but be compatible with the water delivery scheme that limits irrigation deliveries during drought.

Schroeder Law Offices, P.C. is growing again! We are welcoming three new hires and want to introduce them to you.

Max Jones

Max Jones has joined the firm as a new associate attorney in Portland, Oregon. Before joining the firm, Max attended Santa Clara University, earning his Juris Doctorate in 2023. Then, he was admitted to the Oregon State Bar in October of 2023. His emphasis on various aspects of water law includes securing water rights; public lands (easements/right-of-way, permitting uses, grazing); groundwater interference and connection; and agriculture, municipal, and irrigation district water use permitting, extension, perfection, transfers, compliance, and protection. Max is looking forward to helping clients with all water-law matters.

Learn more about Max Jones

Jeff Nadeau

In June of 2023, Jeff Nadeau joined the firm as a new associate attorney in our office located in Reno, Nevada. Jeff studied environmental and natural resource sciences during his graduate studies, where he first became interested in water law. Then, Jeff attended Lewis and Clark, Northwestern School of Law to earn his Juris Doctorate. He was admitted to the Nevada State Bar in 2011. Jeff has always been interested in expanding his knowledge and is ready to apply his extensive skill set to any water-law questions you may have.

Learn more about Jeff Nadeau

Rita Powers

Rita Powers joined the firm in August of 2023. She is working as a legal assistant at our office in Reno, Nevada. Earlier this year, in May of 2023, Rita graduated with her bachelor’s degree from the University of Nevada, Reno. Rita’s interest in water law stems from spending her youth on her family’s ranch in California. She is looking forward to further developing her knowledge of water-law and how it affects her local community.

Learn more about Rita Powers