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AB132

Changes to Rules for Wildlife Water Guzzlers

Last scannedAug 22, 2026, 1:27 AM

In one sentence

This law increases the maximum size and pipe length allowed for water collection tanks called guzzlers that provide drinking water for wildlife.

Increases the maximum capacity of a guzzler from 20,000 gallons to 40,000 gallons.
Increases the maximum pipe length connected to a guzzler from one-quarter mile to one-half mile.
Keeps the rule that the capture area for rainwater must be one acre or less.
Requires state or federal wildlife agencies to develop these tanks with help from the Department of Wildlife, or allows other people to build them if they consult with the department.
Exempts qualifying guzzlers from standard water appropriation requirements under Nevada law.

State and federal agencies responsible for managing wildlife.
Other people who build guzzlers after consulting with the Department of Wildlife.
The State Engineer, who determines if collection conflicts with existing water rights.
Wildlife that uses the collected precipitation as a drinking source.

This exemption only applies if the State Engineer decides the collection does not conflict with existing water rights.
The law requires approval from the Department of Wildlife before these tanks can be used.
These changes do not affect rules for rooftop rainwater collection on single-family homes.

Plain language

Guzzler: A tank or container designed to collect and store rainwater for wildlife to drink, defined in NRS 501.121.
De minimus collection: The gathering of a very small amount of water that is considered insignificant under the law.
Capture area: The specific surface where rainwater flows into the guzzler system, limited to 1 acre or less.

Official record

Source attached

Revises provisions relating to water. (BDR 48-586)