As Lake Mead—the source of 90 percent of our community’s supply—continues to be threatened by drought, the biggest sin in Sin City is letting water go to waste.
Local water providers, including the Las Vegas Valley Water District and the cities of Boulder City, Henderson, and North Las Vegas, have addressed water waste through a series of ordinances, which means wasting water is against the law and is subject to fines. These providers offer on-line tools to report water waste anonymously, either via their websites or through apps you can download to your phone or mobile device.
Still, some misconceptions about reporting water waste abound in the community. So, let’s set the record straight and bust some of those myths.
Myth: Reporting water waste equates to “snitching” on your neighbors
Fact: Not true! Local water providers encourage residents to be neighborly and inform their neighbors if they have a leak or other water-waste issue on their property, if they are comfortable doing so. Remember, water waste occurs throughout the community, not just in your neighbor’s yard; in most situations, reporting it to your local water utility is the best option for resolving these issues. Reporting water waste can help your neighbor become aware of the issue so they can fix it before they start racking up a large water bill.
Myth: Reporting water waste is all about collecting fines
Fact: On the contrary! It is primarily about educating residents and businesses so they can fix water-waste issues and help protect our limited water supply. Fines are only issued after customers have received a formal warning and if they refuse to correct documented issues, and for repeat violations.
For more information on how you can help prevent and report water waste, visit snwa.com.
Members of the editorial and news staff of the Las Vegas Review-Journal were not involved in the creation of this content.