The Virgin River Watershed Study is one of five studies that were funded through General Expenses in response to Fiscal Year 2006 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act (PL 109-103).  That legislation directs the Secretary to conduct, “at full federal expense, comprehensive analyses that examine multi-jurisdictional use and management of water resources on a watershed or regional scale.”

Study Area:  The Virgin River’s headwaters are in Washington, Kane and Iron Counties of Utah. The lower watershed includes portions of Mohave County, Arizona and Clark and Lincoln Counties, Nevada. The river eventually empties into the Colorado River at Lake Mead in southeastern Nevada. The distance from the headwaters to Lake Mead is approximately 200 miles and the basin above Lake Mead includes approximately 5,900 square miles.  Major tributaries to the Virgin River include the Santa Clara River, Fort Pearce Wash and Beaver Dam Wash.
  
Watershed Analysis:  In carrying out this watershed analysis the Corps is working in partnership with local and county governments, state and federal agencies, municipalities, landowners, citizen groups and the public.  This collaborative effort will produce a watershed plan that assists stakeholders within the Virgin River in successful management of the river and related resources.

Schedule:  This project was initiated in the summer of 2006 and is scheduled to be completed during the first quarter of the 2008 calendar year.