Low water levels in Lake Mead prompted the federal government to declare a water shortage declaration on the Colorado River that takes effect in January 2022.

Combined with existing water reductions outlined in the Drought Contingency Plan, the declared shortage reduces Southern Nevada’s annual water allocation of 300,000 acre-feet from Lake Mead—the source of 90 percent of the community’s supply—by a total of 21,000 acre-feet (nearly 7 billion gallons of water).

While the shortage declaration is the first of its kind, it is not the first time Southern Nevada was required to reduce its water use in response to drought conditions. When the drought was first declared in 2002, Southern Nevada was using more than its 300,000 acre-foot allocation. However, the community’s commitment to conservation led to a 23 percent decline in water consumption since 2002 despite the addition of nearly 800,000 new residents.

But conservation progress has stalled in recent years. As an example, only about half of single-family households comply with the year-round seasonal watering restrictions. If every water user diligently followed these restrictions, Southern Nevada could save more water than is being cut under shortage conditions.

The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) is updating its 50-year Water Resource Plan, which shows that continued water conservation throughout the community remains imperative in balancing Southern Nevada’s water supplies with water demands.

“In the face of this unprecedented shortage, we must step-up our commitment to conservation,” said SNWA General Manager John J. Entsminger. “These efforts are imperative to ensure our community’s long-term economic success – and history has shown that they work.”

SNWA 702-862-3740 or snwa.com

Patrick Watson
Conservation Services Administrator
Southern Nevada Water Authority
patrick.watson@snwa.com  702-862-3734
SNWA rebates

PHOTO CAPTION:

Lake Mead water levels have dropped by nearly 150 feet since 2000, triggering the first-ever federally-declared shortage on the Colorado River, the source of 90 percent of Southern Nevada’s water supply.

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.