Residents interested in protecting one of Pahrump’s most vital resources will have an opportunity to learn from an expert next month, as the Private Well Owners Association hosts an informative and timely presentation focused on water quality.
Christopher Berkey of the National Rural Water Association (NRWA) will present “How Pollution Gets Into Our Water” at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the Pahrump Valley Museum, located at 401 E. Basin Ave. The program is free and open to the public, offering community members an accessible way to better understand the factors that impact local groundwater.
The April 1 session marks the second installment in a series of educational talks centered on water pollution and conservation in the Pahrump Valley. It also serves as a lead-up to the 23rd Annual Pahrump Earth/Arbor Day Celebration, scheduled for April 18 at the Bob Ruud Community Center.
During the presentation, Berkey—a hydrogeologist and NRWA Source Water Protection Specialist—will use a groundwater demonstration model to provide a hands-on look at how contaminants travel through the environment. Attendees will learn how everyday substances such as fertilizers and insecticides can seep through soil and reach aquifers, including Basin 162, which serves as the valley’s sole source of water.
The demonstration will also explore how excessive groundwater pumping affects the aquifer system. As water is withdrawn, the water table can drop, creating what is known as a “cone of depression.” This process can draw nearby pollutants toward wells, increasing the risk of contamination.
Berkey emphasized the importance of awareness and responsible management when it comes to private wells and septic systems.
“Wells and septic systems are often treated with an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ mentality, but neglecting them can lead to serious health and environmental risks,” he said. “In a place like Pahrump—where thousands of wells and septic systems draw from the same basin—it’s especially important to be a good neighbor and manage your water sustainably. Stewardship starts with awareness, and protecting our shared water resources benefits everyone.”
The groundwater model used during the presentation will also be featured later in the month at the Earth/Arbor Day celebration, where Berkey will be available at the NRWA and Private Well Owners Association booths to continue sharing information with the community.
The National Rural Water Association, the largest nonprofit trade organization of its kind in the United States, represents more than 31,000 small and rural water and wastewater utilities nationwide. Its mission focuses on strengthening rural water systems and ensuring safe, reliable drinking water across communities.
Locally, the Private Well Owners Association plays a key role in educating residents about well management, water conservation in Basin 162, and preserving the rural lifestyle that defines the Pahrump Valley. The organization hosts free monthly meetings on the first Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m., welcoming anyone interested in learning more about water stewardship.
Community members are encouraged to attend the April 1 meeting to gain valuable insight into how everyday actions can impact the valley’s shared water supply—and how simple changes can help protect it for generations to come.
