Nevada has reached a "critical mass" of its water supply, according to an official, leaving the state to consider how it will supply enough water for its growing population.

"Between historical over-appropriation and over-pumping in our water basin and people moving to Nevada– regardless of the number of tourists we have coming in–we have had an influx of population in the north and in the south," Brad Crowell, director of the state's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, told local television show Nevada NewsMakers .

When asked if Nevada is at its critical mass for its water supply, Crowell responded,"To be blunt, I think we're already at that point, quite honestly."

Nevada ranked No. 3 in U.S. News' 2019 Best States rankings for net migration from 2014 to 2017. The state's population increased by approximately 2.1% from 2017 to 2018, according to the U.S. Census Bureau .

As the Nevada looks at different options to lessen its water shortage, the legality of different solutions is up in the air. In August 2018, the state's top water regulator denied Southern Nevada Water Authority's plan to bring billions of gallons of water to Las Vegas through a pipeline in eastern Nevada.

But legal battles continue for the proposed pipeline, which is strongly opposed by many ranchers, tribes, environmental groups and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Crowell said the fight will probably continue for another year or two, according to the Reno Gazette Journal .

Officials have also pointed to the possibility of striking a deal with California in which Nevada would finance a desalination facility for the Golden State's use off the coast of California or the Pacific coast of Mexico. In exchange, Nevada would gain California's share of the Colorado River, which accounts for 90% of Las Vegas Valley's water supply.