Pahrump residents interested in protecting the valley’s water supply will have an opportunity to learn directly from an environmental expert during an upcoming educational presentation hosted by the Private Well Owners Association.
“Keeping Our Drinking Water Safe,” presented by Christian Magno of the Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC), will take place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the Pahrump Valley Museum, located at 401 E. Basin Avenue. The class is free and open to the public.
During the presentation, Magno will discuss how private well owners can properly manage their domestic wells and septic systems to help protect groundwater in Basin 162 — the sole source of drinking water for the entire Pahrump Valley. With many homes in the area relying on septic systems, proper maintenance plays a critical role in preventing contamination.
“There are a lot of septic systems in Pahrump that have the potential to contaminate drinkable groundwater,” Magno said. “I’ll provide some tips on how to keep groundwater safe through proper septic system practices and management, as well as offer some opportunities for well water quality testing.”
The session will focus on practical steps residents can take to safeguard water quality while maintaining their private wells responsibly. Attendees will also learn about available resources and testing opportunities designed to help homeowners monitor and protect their water supply.
RCAC, founded in 1978, is a nonprofit organization that works with small rural and Indigenous communities across 11 Western states, focusing on environmental infrastructure and sustainable community resources.
The Private Well Owners Association, an educational nonprofit organization, hosts monthly meetings aimed at helping local well owners better understand well management, water conservation within Basin 162, and ways to sustain Pahrump’s rural lifestyle. Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. and are free and open to the public.
For additional information about the presentation, visit rcac.org/environmental or privatewellowners.com. Community members can also learn more by visiting the organization’s Facebook page or contacting organizers at privatewellownerspwoa@gmail.com.
