SNWA | Solera News

Southern Nevada Water Authority Monthly Newsletter

Planning for Southern Nevada’s Water Future

For the past quarter century, as climate change-fueled drought has reduced flows in the Colorado River, residents and businesses have united to extend our limited water supply by participating in myriad conservation programs offered by the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA).

As a result of these efforts, the community reduced its consumption of Colorado River Water by 36 percent between 2002 and 2024, even as our population increased by more than 829,000 residents. Still, declining water levels at Lake Mead—the source of 90 percent of our community’s supply—are a reminder that we truly do not know what Mother Nature has in store for our future.

To address this uncertainty, the SNWA’s Water Resource Plan serves as a road map to guide the community’s long-term water supply and resource needs. An important element of the plan includes potential water resources that, if needed, can be tapped to assure a reliable supply for current and future Southern Nevada residents. These include:

Desalination: SNWA has engaged with other Colorado River Basin states and water users, the federal government and the government of Mexico to explore potential seawater desalination projects. While desalination remains a water resource option to augment existing water supplies in the future, SNWA continues evaluating challenges with permitting, environmental concerns, and overall costs.

Pure Water Southern California: The SNWA is working with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) on this project that would reclaim up to 150 million gallons of water per day for reuse within MWD’s service area beginning in 2032. In exchange, Southern Nevada would receive a portion of California’s Colorado River supplies.

Water Banking: Through conservation, more than 2.2 million acre-feet (717 billion gallons) are stored within the local aquifer and Lake Mead, as well as in Arizona and California for Southern Nevada’s future use.

To learn more about the community’s water supply and conservation programs, and to download a copy of the SNWA’s Water Resource Plan, visit snwa.com.

11/3/2025

Winter Watering Schedule in Effect Nov. 1 in Southern Nevada

It may not officially be winter yet, but as the calendar rolls over and cooler temperatures make their way into Southern Nevada, it’s time to change our landscape watering clocks to follow the community’s mandatory winter watering schedule.

In effect from Nov.1 through Feb. 28, the winter watering schedule limits sprinkler irrigation to one assigned day per week; sprinkler watering is prohibited on Sunday. You can find your assigned watering day at snwa.com.

Saving water—and managing your monthly bill—is even easier during the winter when you run your drip irrigation system on a recommended schedule of once every seven to 14 days for 30 to 90 minutes. This may not seem like a lot, but it’s still enough to keep your plants and trees healthy during the coldest months of the year. And, it can help you avoid over-irrigating your desert-adapted, water-efficient landscapes. When it comes to drip irrigation, keep a simple five-word rule of thumb in mind: Drip It, Don’t Drown It!

Here are more tips to help keep your landscape vibrant this winter while helping the community save water:

•Set your spray irrigation for grass to water during the mid-morning hours to avoid freezing and prevent ice from forming on lawns and sidewalks.

•Water grass only on your one assigned watering day.

•Change the time on your irrigation clock to coincide with the end of Daylight-Saving Time on Sunday, Nov. 2.

•Following the seasonal watering restrictions year-round can help the average customer save up to $300 annually on their water bills.

The amount of water we apply to our landscapes is critically important because it is used once and cannot be reclaimed. Conversely, the water we use indoors for cooking, bathing, and cleaning is reclaimed, highly treated, and returned to Lake Mead for reuse. This recycling process helps extend our community’s water supply, making every drop count–especially outdoors.

Learn more about how you can help Southern Nevada save water at snwa.com.

10/1/2025

The Dos and Don’ts of Reporting Water Waste

When it comes to conserving water in Southern Nevada, we all strive to do our part—and that includes reporting incidents of water going to waste. But what exactly is water waste, and how can you help prevent and report it?

Examples include irrigation water spraying or flowing off a property; watering outside of assigned days; and discharging swimming pool or spa water anywhere other than the public sanitary sewer. These are all violations of local municipal water-waste ordinances and repeat violators are subject to hefty fines.

Often, many residents and businesses don’t realize they’re wasting water, which can quickly drive up their water bills. By reporting water waste, you’re helping your neighbors in the community save water and avoid costly charges.

So, what do you do when you encounter water waste?

•Make sure what you see is water waste.

•Provide the facts, including exact location, such as a street address, and WHERE on the property you observe the issue (in the case of apartments, condos or commercial property, “that grassy area” doesn’t help).

•Include days and times so water-waste investigators can document and respond.

•If possible, take photos as the waste is occurring; avoid close-ups, especially on larger properties. Photos help direct water waste investigators to the right location.

•Do not report via social media!

•Do report it to the correct water service provider!

The Las Vegas Valley Water District and the cities of Henderson and North Las Vegas have apps you can download to your mobile phone, tablet, or other wireless device to report water-waste anonymously. You can also visit the Southern Nevada Water Authority website at snwa.com for a full list of ways to report water waste and steps you can take to prevent it, including how to fix leaks on your property.

Meanwhile, you can help prevent water waste at home by following these tips:

•If you have grass, run your sprinklers for a total of 12 minutes per watering day, set in three four-minute cycles.

•Inspect your irrigation system for misdirected or broken sprinklers.•Make sure the sprinkler heads are the appropriate size and height for your landscape.

•Look for signs of an irrigation leak, including pooling water or bubbles in your grass.

Also, don’t forget—the community’s mandatory fall seasonal watering restrictions, which limit landscape irrigation to three assigned days per week, are in effect through Oct. 31. Find your assigned watering days and more fall watering tips at snwa.com.

9/4/2025

Follow the fall watering schedule to save water—and money

Many things signal the arrival of fall—football’s back, there’s pumpkin spice on just about everything edible (and drinkable), and we’re breaking out our warmer clothes. Fall also is a perfect time of year to save water by following the community’s mandatory fall watering restrictions.

In effect from Sept. 1 through Oct. 31, the seasonal watering restrictions limit landscape irrigation to three assigned days per week. You can find your assigned watering days at snwa.com.

Remember—watering outside of your assigned watering days can result in costly water-waste fines, and spray watering is prohibited on Sunday all year long.

To further boost conservation this fall—and help manage your monthly bill—water plants and trees on a recommended two-day-a-week schedule, but for longer durations based on the flow rate of your emitters. Grass should be watered ONLY three days a week. While this may not sound like much, keep in mind that temperatures are getting cooler, meaning your landscape can stay vibrant and healthy throughout the season with even less water than you think. Remember: Drip It, Don’t Drown It!

If you have a grass landscape, be sure to continue running your spray irrigation systems during the early morning hours through October to help minimize water lost to evaporation, and avoid watering on windy or rainy days. And be sure to inspect and test your system on a regular basis to prevent overspray onto sidewalks and streets, which could result in a water-waste fee.

Find more information about the community’s seasonal watering restrictions and helpful tips to keep your landscape lush and happy all year long at snwa.com.

8/5/2025

This Fall, Make Your Landscape Water Smart

As the temperature rises this summer, so has the community’s water use—but there are steps you can take to help conserve Southern Nevada’s most vital resource, especially as we look forward to the cooler days and nights of fall.

Through May, Southern Nevada’s year-to-date Colorado River consumptive water use was up by 8.9 percent over the same period last year. To help bring those numbers down, consider enrolling in the Southern Nevada Water Authority’s (SNWA) Water Smart Landscapes Rebate Program (WSL), which provides qualifying single-family homeowners with cash rebate incentives when they upgrade their grass to desert-adapted landscaping.

Planning ahead now can help you get a leg up on your landscape upgrade when the seasons change this fall. Begin by visiting snwa.com and taking advantage of the many resources that can help you get your project underway, including a list of plants and trees suited to our desert environment, sample landscape designs for a variety of lifestyles, and a list of Water Smart Contractors who can make your landscape dreams a reality.

If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, you can learn the basics of designing and installing a drip irrigation system by attending free classes online or in person at the Springs Preserve. While you’re there, get inspired by the array of water-efficient plants and trees displayed in the Springs Preserve Botanical Garden. Find class schedules and more information at springspreserve.org.

As a reminder, the community’s mandatory summer watering restrictions are in effect through Aug. 31. During the summer months, sprinkler irrigation is prohibited between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., when water can be lost to intense heat and high winds. Watering during these prohibited hours or allowing water to spray or flow off your property could result in a costly water-waste fine—and nobody wants that.

For more information about the WSL program and to enroll, visit snwa.com.

7/1/2025

Technology at Work: SNWA Sets Standards for Reliable Water System

Boldly going where very few technicians have gone before, the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) recently began deploying a new leak detection and pipeline inspection tool to help save resources, enhance safety, and conserve water by assessing infrastructure conditions even in tough-to-reach places.

The SNWA’s Compact Pipe Ranger is a robotic pipe crawler system that helps engineers inspect the interior of water pipelines ranging from 8 to 72 inches in diameter, using a high-definition camera with a live feed for real-time observations.

The pipe crawler is effective at verifying and locating minor pipeline leaks before they become major issues. This allows SNWA engineers to strategically rehabilitate pipelines and extend their service life by up to 50 years. The new technology also enables engineers to inspect pipelines without fully draining them.

Another inspection tool leveraged by SNWA engineers is a remote-operated submarine. Like the pipe crawler, the submarine is equipped with a high-definition camera and lights, which gives the remote operator a clear, unobstructed view of all sides of the pipeline. It also can be deployed in full pipelines, which helps Southern Nevada conserve even more of our community’s water.

While these tools are hard at work below the ground, residents can do their part to find and repair leaks in their homes. The SNWA offers tips and how-to videos at snwa.com to help you find the most common sources of household leaks including your main service line, landscape irrigation system, toilets, faucets, water softeners, and pools and spas. Fixing household leaks can go a long way toward conserving water in our desert community.

For more information about your water system, visit snwa.com.

6/3/2025

Your Water Quality: Still Our #1 Priority

Wherever you call home in Southern Nevada, you can trust that the water flowing from your tap is thoroughly treated and held to some of the highest quality standards in the nation. Our commitment to delivering safe, reliable water runs deep and the numbers prove it.

Your tap water is tested more rigorously and frequently than most bottled water.

In 2024, the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) conducted nearly 301,000 analyses on more than 62,000 water samples collected from Lake Mead, as well as storage reservoirs and more than 500 community-wide sampling stations. This extensive testing regimen goes above and beyond all standards set by the State of Nevada and the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act.

Meanwhile, the SNWA’s Alfred Merritt Smith and River Mountains water treatment facilities use advanced treatment processes that provide multiple barriers to protect your drinking water:

•Ozonation: This state-of-the-art process eliminates naturally occurring microorganisms commonly found in lakes and reservoirs.

•Filtration: A multi-stage process that removes any solid particles.

•Disinfection: A small amount of chlorine is added to protect the water on its way to your tap.

While some folks may be sensitive to the naturally hard, mineral-rich profile of Southern Nevada's tap water, it’s important to know that taste has nothing to do with safety. In fact, our water is packed with natural electrolytes and minerals that can be beneficial. To enhance its flavor, try these simple tips:

CHILL – Keep a pitcher in the fridge to improve taste and reduce chlorine perception.

FLAVOR – Add a fresh slice of lemon, lime, or cucumber for a burst of freshness.

FILTER – Use an activated carbon filter pitcher or faucet attachment to polish the taste.

MAINTAIN – Replace filters regularly if you use at home filtration system.

Local water providers—including the Las Vegas Valley Water District, the Big Bend Water District, and the cities of Boulder City, Henderson and North Las Vegas—publish their annual water quality reports this summer. These reports provide detailed information about what’s in your drinking water and reflect the results of rigorous laboratory testing and advanced treatment by SNWA scientists.

To obtain a copy of your water provider’s 2025 water quality report, visit snwa.com.

5/7/2025

Saving Water is a Cool Thing to Do…Even During the Summer Heat

The dog days of summer are about to heat things up in Southern Nevada, which means it’s the perfect time to learn how you can cool off your water use during our hottest months of the year—and keep your landscape healthy at the same time.

While rising temperatures may tempt you to overwater your landscape, the truth is that trees and plants can thrive and remain vibrant in our scorching summer heat with less water than we may think.

•Drip-irrigated trees and plants can stay healthy when watered on a recommended four-day-a-week schedule in summer.

•As temperatures rise and weather conditions dictate, slowly “ramp up” the number of days you water per week.

•For grass, run sprinklers for a total of 12 minutes per watering day, set in three four-minute cycles, spaced one hour apart. That’s all your grass needs.

•Grass can be watered up to six days a week in summer; no watering on Sundays.

As a reminder, the community’s mandatory summer watering restrictions are in effect from May 1 through Aug. 31. During the summer months, sprinkler irrigation is prohibited between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., when water can be lost to intense heat and high winds. Watering during these prohibited hours or allowing water to spray or flow off your property could result in a costly water-waste fine—and nobody wants that.

For more summer landscape care tips and other ways to save water and money on your monthly bill, visit snwa.com.

4/2/2025

SNWA Programs Help Combat Heat Islands

Climate experts predict that by mid-century Southern Nevada will experience more than 100 days a year with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees. This is expected to increase urban heat island conditions where surfaces and structures like block walls, asphalt, sidewalks and buildings radiate heat that has been absorbed throughout the day. This causes overnight temperatures to remain high, allowing temperatures to climb faster each day.

While the urban heat island (UHI) effect is not unique to Southern Nevada, experts agree that shade from trees and plants is one of the most effective strategies to reduce its impact. Unfortunately, some existing tree species in our valley such as the Afghan pine, purple leaf plumb, and others will struggle to adapt to the extended heat conditions expected in the future.

As a result, the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) launched a Tree Enhancement Program that offers $100 for every new, qualifying tree planted during a grass conversion project. The tree rebate is an additional incentive for property owners replacing grass landscapes under the SNWA’s Water Smart Landscapes Rebate Program (WSL).

Since 2023, more than 5,000 new trees have been planted through the program. Once mature, these new trees will add two million square feet of additional canopy coverage to our community.

The SNWA has also funded the installation of 1,000 new trees planted in underserved areas of the community in partnership with ImpactNV, a local non-profit dedicated to enhancing Southern Nevada’s long-term sustainability.

For more information about the WSL and Tree Enhancement programs, visit snwa.com.

3/6/2025

Spring Into Smart Watering: Tips for the Season

Spring’s arrival in Southern Nevada means it’s time to help your landscape gear up for the warmer weather to come.

Just because you can water more this time of year, does not mean your landscape needs it. As temperatures increase and weather conditions allow, gradually increase your watering schedule—whether you use sprinklers for grass or drip irrigation for plants and trees. Grass can be watered up to three assigned days per week from March 1 through April 30, while plants and trees on drip need much less and should be watered no more than two days a week. Slowly ramping up your schedule will help your landscape thrive while avoiding unnecessary water use.

If you have grass, remember that sprinkler watering is prohibited on Sundays. Watering outside of your three assigned days in spring—or allowing water to spray or run off your property—can result in costly water waste fines. Find your assigned spring watering days at snwa.com.

Saving water and managing your monthly bills can be even easier if you follow these simple tips:

·Inspect your irrigation system and fix leaks promptly.

·Water grass for a recommended 12 minutes total on your assigned watering days [water three times for four minutes each].

·Don’t water on windy days.

·If it rains, turn off your irrigation system and let nature take care of it for you.

In addition, you can earn a cash incentive while you save water by upgrading your thirsty grass to a drip-irrigated landscape through the Southern Nevada Water Authority’s (SNWA) Water Smart Landscapes Rebate Program (WSL).

As part of the WSL program, the SNWA’s Tree Enhancement Program pays new participants a bonus of $100 for every new tree installed (up to 100 percent canopy coverage).

By following the seasonal restrictions and upgrading your grass to drip-irrigated landscaping, you’ll play a vital role in protecting our community’s most precious resource.

Spring is the perfect time to make the switch! To apply for the WSL program and to get water-saving tips to help you maintain a healthy landscape, visit snwa.com.

2/10/25

Leaks: The Hidden Thieves That Steal Your Water…And Your Money

Odds are, at one point or another, you will experience a water leak in your home. And while the sources of leaks can differ, every unrepaired leak is money down the drain and valuable water being wasted.

One of the costliest—and most wasteful—leaks is the one that occurs on the main service line, which connects your home to your municipal water meter. If you suspect your home’s service line is leaking, here are some simple suggestions on what you can do:

•Turn off all water inside and outside your home, including toilets, washing machines, showers, faucets and irrigation systems.

•Check your water meter, which is typically located in the sidewalk or behind the curb in front of the home. Pay attention to the red or white triangle or star on the meter – this is the flow indicator. If the flow indicator is moving, you may have a leak.

•Locate your water shutoff valve, which is usually found in your front yard near the sewer riser cap, in your garage, or in your home’s manifold system. Turn it off.

•Check the meter’s flow indicator again. If it’s still moving, the leak is likely underground between the shutoff valve and the water meter. If the flow indicator has stopped moving, the leak is likely somewhere else in or around your home.

If you find a leak or receive a leak notification from your local water provider and you are unable to fix the leak yourself, consider hiring a Water Smart Plumber. These professionals have received extensive training in water efficiency practices from the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA). Property owners also can request a leak detection voucher for up to $250 that can be applied toward the initial leak diagnostic services or the first two hours of service to fix the leak(s). For more information, visit snwa.com.

Las Vegas Valley Water District (LVVWD) customers now have the option of purchasing a reduced-cost warranty from American Water Resources (AWR) to help minimize or eliminate the cost of leak repairs to their property’s water service line. In partnership with AWR, the LVVWD is providing an exclusive monthly rate of $3.99 for all single-family residential customers who own their home; the LVVWD will reimburse the first year of protection for the first 50,000 account holders who enroll with AWR. Visit lvvwd.com for more information about this and other customer assistance programs for leaks.

Other common sources of household leaks include landscape irrigation systems, toilets, faucets, water softeners, and pools or spas. Visit snwa.com to learn more about how you can diagnose, isolate, and repair leaks in your home, and save money on your water bill.

By taking these steps, you'll not only conserve water but also protect our community’s limited water resources.

1/29/25

New Service Line Warranty Program Offered to District Customers

As a homeowner in Southern Nevada, you know water leaks are bound to happen. To help you better afford repairing costly service line water leaks, the Las Vegas Valley Water District (LVVWD) is introducing a new program to help make it easier to find and repair costly leaks—and save our precious natural resources.

The LVVWD developed the Service Line Protection Warranty Program in partnership with American Water Resources, an Oncourse company, to provide water service line protection at a significantly discounted rate. The program covers repair costs for service line leaks and breaks that occur between the home and the water meter.

Through this program, District customers pay a monthly premium starting at $3.99 for the first three years. The first 50,000 customers who enroll in the program will be fully reimbursed for the first year of service ($47.88) by the LVVWD. It’s important to note that LVVWD does not receive any financial compensation from this program, but rather created this partnership solely to help its customers avoid the high cost of service line repairs, which can exceed $3,000.

Research shows that homes more than 20 years old are significantly more likely to experience service line leaks than newer properties. This expense can lead to delayed repairs, which results in more water lost to leaks and, in time, drives up the customer’s water bill.

Details on the new warranty program will be mailed to District homeowners in early 2025. Visit lvvwd.com for more info about the program and additional water-saving tips.

12/19/24