If you plan to farm in Nevada, securing legal access to water is just as important as owning the land. One of the most effective ways to acquire or verify water rights is by working with a licensed real estate agent, water rights consultant, or attorney who is experienced in Nevada water law. These professionals can help:

  1. Research if water rights already exist on the property
  2. Ensure rights are legally transferred to your name at closing
  3. File required documents (like a Report of Conveyance and Abstract of Title) with NDWR
  4. Purchase or apply for new water rights if the land doesn’t have any
  5. Keep your rights active and compliant, so they aren’t lost due to disuse
A consultant reviewing water-related documents

Caution: Even if a property has a well, ditch, or pond, you cannot legally use the water for farming without the proper rights. Unauthorized use can result in fines or shutdowns. You can check water rights or begin the process by visiting the Nevada Division of Water Resources website (http://water.nv.gov/) or by speaking with a legal expert who understands agricultural water access in your county.

 
Waaswa, A. 2025, How do I get water rights for my farm in Nevada?, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FAQ

Extension Associated Contacts

Andrew Waaswa
Andrew Waaswa
 

Also of Interest:

 
Landowner Willingness to Sell or Lease Water Rights in the Walker River Basin
This fact sheet will provide a background on water rights in Nevada, followed by a comparison of the survey findings between 2003 and 2007. This comparison seeks to examine the changes in water rights owners’ willingness to sell or lease their holdings.
 Curtis, K., Emm, S., and Entsminger, J. 2008, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Walker River Basin Research Study: Perceptions and Attitudes of Water Right Owners
This fact sheet contains information on the perceptions and attitudes of water right owners by describing the overall study, instrument development, data collection procedure and analysis as well as some of the general findings.
 Emm, S., Breazeale, D., and Smith, M., 2004, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-13-19
Public Policies Affecting Water Use in Nevada Water Issues Education Series – No.1
This fact sheet contains information on water issues that get affected by population growth and changing attitudes. Learn more about federal policies that affect water use, water rights, and many more.
 Singletary, L. 2005, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-05-19
Western Water Law: Understanding the Doctrine of Prior Appropriation
Prior appropriation allocates water rights based on timing of use, place of use and purpose of use. It allows for diverting water from its source to fulfill water rights and determines who gets water during times of shortage.
 Hockaday, S. and Ormerod, K.J. 2020, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, IP-20-01
Western Water Law: Understanding the Doctrine of Prior Appropriation
Prior appropriation allocates water rights based on the timing of use, place of use, and purpose of use. It allows for diverting water from its source to fulfill water rights and determines who gets water during times of shortage.
 Hockaday, S. and Ormerod, K.J. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno