Where We Stand
Our New Normal
Water is a precious resource that our region cannot afford to waste. Research suggests that Southern Nevada will continue to experience more intense and longer drought conditions fueled by climate change, which has a direct impact on our water supply. Fueled by drought and a reduction in snowpack within the Colorado River Basin, Lake Mead’s water level has declined steadily since the early 2000s. As of June 2022, water levels were at 28% of normal capacity, the lowest since it was filled in the 1930s. Drought also worsens water quality issues due to higher concentrations of nutrients and contaminants in the water, which has implications for water treatment systems and the health of natural ecosystems.
Leading by Example
Goodbye, Useless Grass
Nevada enacted a law in 2021 prohibiting SNWA to deliver water to irrigate decorative grass in streetscapes, medians, parking lots, and other areas where it does not serve a recreational or functional purpose. The law aims to help businesses conserve nearly 10% of Southern Nevada’s water supply and is estimated to save more than 9.5 billion gallons per year once fully enacted.
Next Steps for a Sustainable Water System
Explore the goals, strategies, and actions in the All-In Community Plan. Use the dropdown table to see the progress we've made towards implementing each action!
| Action | Description | Status |
1.1.A | Identify areas for targeted vegetation enhancement and restoration due to proximity to sensitive water resources. | |
1.1.B | Establish pilot projects to explore innovative technologies for removing pollutants from non-point source runoff. |
| Action | Description | Status |
1.2.A | Transition all public property to drought-resilient landscaping. | |
1.2.B | Establish an efficiency review policy and process for new, large water users that encourages efficient development and disincentivizes consumptive uses. | |
1.2.C | Expand existing guidebooks and training on incorporating drought tolerant green infrastructure onto existing properties. |
| Action | Description | Status |
2.1.A | Develop a program to transition industrial and commercial customers to efficient, dry cooling technologies. | |
2.1.B | Develop a program to transition industrial and commercial customers to efficient, dry cooling technologies. |
| Action | Description | Status |
2.2.A | Develop and implement uniform regional performance standards to help local jurisdictions evaluate water demands of planned development. | |
2.2.B | Develop tools and guidance for developers to estimate water demand of proposed projects and report results to local jurisdictions. |
| Action | Description | Status |
2.3.A | Train and incentivize building tradespeople to identify and repair water leaks. | |
2.3.B | Identify barriers to and implement solutions for participation in SNWA’s commercial and industrial Water Efficient Technologies program. |
| Action | Description | Status |
3.1.A | Align all jurisdictions’ water policies and programs with existing studies and water resource plans. | |
3.1.B | Ensure power grid redundancy for water and wastewater transmission systems. |
Are You All-In?
Conserve Water for a Thriving Future
Complying with water regulations can be easy with rebates and help from SNWA. Check out these resources!
