New legislation signed into law by Gov. Steve Sisolak will help advance Southern Nevada’s water conservation goals and water efficiency efforts.

Backed by the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA), local municipalities, and business and environmental organizations, AB356 prohibits the use of Colorado River water delivered by the SNWA and its member agencies to irrigate non-functional grass—such as grass in streetscapes, medians, parking lots, traffic circles and other areas where it is used for aesthetics and not recreational purposes— by the end of 2026. The law applies to commercial properties, HOAs and multi-family housing developments; it does not apply to grass at single-family homes, nor recreational grass found at schools and parks throughout the community.

“We’re extremely appreciative of Gov. Sisolak and the Nevada Legislature for approving this measure, which will enable the community to expand on its commitment to conserving water in the face of ongoing drought conditions and climate change,” said SNWA General Manager John Entsminger.

Passage of the law comes at a critical time, as the federal government recently declared a water shortage declaration on the Colorado River—the source of 90 percent of the community’s water supply. The shortage, sated to take effect in January 2022, will reduce the amount of water the community can take from Lake Mead by 7 billion gallons per year.

By upgrading unused grass to water smart landscaping, Southern Nevada will save more than 9.5 billion gallons of water annually, or about 10 percent of its annual supply drawn from the Colorado River at Lake Mead.

Businesses and community associations that replace unused grass with water-efficient landscaping may qualify for cash incentives under the SNWA’s Water Smart Landscapes Rebate program (WSL). Through WSL, the SNWA provides a cash incentive of up to $3 per square foot of turf removed and replaced with drip-irrigated plants, trees, and shrubs.

Entsminger said the legislation was needed to help spur the community into additional action to reduce non-functional grass landscapes and conserve water resources.

“Replacing non-functional turf will allow for more sustainable and efficient use of resources, build resiliency to climate change, and help ensure the community’s current and future water needs continue to be met,” Entsminger said.

WSL is one of many SNWA incentive programs and ordinances geared to encouraging water conservation throughout the community. These include mandatory seasonal watering schedules and fines levied against property owners who waste water. To learn more, visit snwa.com.

The SNWA is a not-for-profit regional entity that manages water conservation, water quality and water resource issues for Southern Nevada. Its members include: the Big Bend Water District (Laughlin); the cities of Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas and North Las Vegas; the Clark County Water Reclamation District; and the Las Vegas Valley Water District.

SNWA 702-862-3740 or snwa.com

Patrick Watson
Conservation Services Administrator
Southern Nevada Water Authority
patrick.watson@snwa.com  702-862-3734
https://www.snwa.com/business/rebates/index.html

Thank you to the NAIOP Community Service Committee and NAIOP members for your valued efforts to service the Las Vegas community throughout the summer months.

The group kicked off summer with the Communities in Schools college scholarship application fundraiser. The $2,921 raised during the fundraiser allowed graduating high school seniors the ability to submit college applications and pursue their dreams of attending college.

Next up was the annual Street Teens donation drive. Street Teens is a local non-profit dedicated to assisting homeless and at-risk youth. Our yearly involvement with the organization allows Street Teens to provide services that empower teens to strive towards a bright future. This year, the committee raised 411 total items (food and non-food) and collected monetary donations totaling $830.

Throughout August, members collected donations for the Hollingsworth Elementary School Drive. The supplies donated will help enable students and teachers go to school proud and empowered having the tools necessary to succeed. The group went above and beyond this year and collected 11,688 total student supplies and 162 total teacher supplies totaling $2,543.39.

Our Helping Hands of Vegas Valley donation drive was held at our October breakfast and our 3 drop off locations. The drive helps to support seniors in need throughout the valley. Often, seniors find themselves having to pay for either their prescriptions or food. We want to alleviate those worries and with YOUR help, our event was a success. We collected 1,164 pounds of canned and nonperishable food, 222 rolls of toilet paper, 48 rolls of paper towels, paper plates and plastic cutlery, as well as $740.00 in cash donations that will support seniors for months to come.

Next up is our EARLY TOY DRIVE through December 3rd.  We’re collecting toys for CASA Foundation of Las Vegas who puts on a wonderful annual holiday event for the foster kids in Southern Nevada. This year will be another drive through and their goal is for each child to receive $50 worth of gifts. We have three ways to donate and a list of suggested toys/gift cards. Note that the drive is early this year (instead of at our holiday event). See details here.

Contact us if you are interested in joining or would like more details on past or upcoming events. With your support, our efforts will continue to make a meaningful impact on the Las Vegas Valley.

Megan McInerney
Associate | Las Vegas – Office Division
Colliers International
(702) 836-3700 | megan.mcinerney@colliers.com

Check out the City of Las Vegas online links for services at Building & Safety here.

Earlier this year the Las Vegas Valley Water District made changes to its service rules, prohibiting water service to new customers who discharge wastewater to septic tanks. The rule was made to ensure all that our community’s water resources are returned to a wastewater treatment plant, and ultimately Lake Mead for credit – an important resource management effort to extend supplies. Septic tanks prevent our community’s water supplies from being used over and over again and represent a high consumptive use of scarce resources.

This memo is intended for members of the development community, including NAIOP and its members, and outlines the rule and how it may affect land owners seeking water service from LVVWD.

Click here for the Service Rules Section 4.5 Industry Memo.

Katie Horn | Management Services Manager
Southern Nevada Water Authority
1001 S. Valley View Boulevard | Las Vegas, NV 89153
O:  702-822-8630 | C: 702-308-7242
Office Hours: M-Th  7 a.m – 6 p.m.