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Water Smarts Podcast

53 episodes - English - Latest episode: 22 days ago - ★★★★★ - 16 ratings

From the banks of the Colorado River and Lake Mead to the homes and businesses of Southern Nevada, the Water Smarts podcast covers how we treat, deliver, use, protect and conserve water in the Las Vegas Valley. Hosts Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke – along with experts from the Southern Nevada Water Authority who keep the water flowing – hope to make you a little smarter about the one thing that keeps us all connected – water.

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Episodes

AB356: Time's running out to 86 nonfunctional grass by the end of '26

March 06, 2024 23:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MB

The clock is ticking! AB356, the state law prohibiting use of Colorado River water to irrigate nonfunctional turf, takes effect in less than three years. Businesses, HOAs and multifamily properties need to replace grass with drip-irrigated plants and trees by Jan. 1, 2027. SNWA conservation expert Patrick Watson shares how SNWA can help property owners comply with the law and take advantage of the current Water Smarts Landscape rebate, which will DECREASE for nonfunctional grass projects at ...

REBATE RISING: Landscape rebate increased to $5 a sq ft for residential properties

February 13, 2024 17:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MB

It’s no secret the SNWA Water Smart Landscapes rebate helps property owners replace water-thirsty grass with drip-irrigated trees and plants. Now the cat’s out of the bag on the rebate’s increase to $5 per square foot. Learn how you can take advantage of this temporary increase from SNWA conservation expert Toby Bickmore on the Water Smarts Podcast, “REBATE RISING: Landscape rebate increased to $5 a sq ft for residential properties.” Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke https://www.snwa....

EMERGENCY RESPONSE: LVVWD responds to tropical storm damage in Kyle Canyon

January 22, 2024 18:00 - 26 minutes - 17.9 MB

When Tropical Storm Hilary hit the Mount Charleston area, the resulting flood wiped away roads, downed power lines and washed out water mains. Las Vegas Valley Water District (LVVWD) crews were on the scene within hours of the storm assessing the damage and planning repairs to the badly damaged water system in the Kyle Canyon community. LVVWD’s Aaron Gamble and Tom Burns talk about the emergency response efforts that included helping the fire department ferry residents to safety on  the Wate...

SURVIVING SHORTAGE: Southern Nevada relies on conservation, future water augmentation

November 29, 2023 16:00 - 39 minutes - 26.9 MB

As Southern Nevada enters its third year under federally-declared shortage conditions, the community is thriving and surviving despite the water cuts. Colby Pellegrino, SNWA Deputy General Manager of Resources, talks about Colorado River Basin conditions, negotiations around future water supplies, and how conservation is helping the community live under shortage conditions. Hear more on this episode of the Water Smarts Podcast. Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke https://www.snwa.com/ 

SPECIAL: "What About Water?" interview with SNWA's John Entsminger

November 06, 2023 23:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MB

John Entsminger, Southern Nevada Water Authority general manager, recently joined Jeff Szabo, the CEO of the Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA), for a lively discussion about East Coast vs. West Coast water issues. Serving 1.2 million people in New York, SCWA is one of the largest groundwater suppliers in the nation. While the sources of water for the two agencies differ, one thing is clear: conservation is key to ensuring the long-term economic and environmental sustainability of the com...

SMART GROWTH: Water Investment Rating tool helps measure water, economic impact of new businesses

October 25, 2023 17:00 - 24 minutes - 17 MB

Business leaders and the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) have collaborated on a Water Investment Rating tool to evaluate new businesses looking to locate in the community. The two-phase rating system relies on quantitative and qualitative calculations to determine the water footprint of new businesses and the benefit to the community. Dave Johnson, SNWA Deputy General Manager of Operations, shares insights into why the rating system was developed and how it’s being implemented in Sout...

SHADY SMART: SNWA spreads shade with new tree bonus, urban forest initiative

October 04, 2023 21:00 - 18 minutes - 12.9 MB

The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) has two new initiatives to encourage more tree plantings and expand the community’s urban forest. Zane Marshall, SNWA’s Director of Water Resources, shares details about how property owners can get a cash incentive of $100 per new tree planted as part of the Water Smart Landscapes Rebate. Marshall also talks about the long-term benefit of a robust urban forest on episode 43 of the Water Smarts Podcast, “SHADY SMART: SNWA spreads shade with new tree ...

TECH TALK: Technology helps water utilities respond to challenges

September 19, 2023 20:00 - 31 minutes - 21.4 MB

From finding leaks in 6,500 miles of buried pipeline to managing the complexities of regulatory compliance, technology is helping agencies like the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) solve the unique challenges facing the water industry. Dave Lynch, CEO of technology company Klir, and SNWA’s Deputy General Manager of Operations Dave Johnson talk tech and how the nonprofit WaterStart helps match innovators with water utilities looking for practical solutions on episode 42 of the Water Sma...

REAL TIME RESULTS: LVVWD improves leak notifications to help customers quickly find & fix leaks

August 28, 2023 17:00 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MB

Leaks inside and outside your home can cause devastating damage and significantly increase your water bill. The Las Vegas Valley Water District (LVVWD) has improved its leak notification system so that customers get notified within days of a potential problem and before a high water bill may arrive. We talk with Dennis Demera, LVVWD Customer Care & Field Services Manager, about the new system and how customers can ensure they’re notified quickly of potential leaks on their property. Hosts: ...

WHAT'S IN YOUR TAP WATER?

July 10, 2023 16:00 - 18 minutes - 13.1 MB

As summer heats up, we all drink more water. You can find out what’s in your tap water by reviewing your water agency’s Water Quality Report. Carolyn Faircloth, the Water Quality Laboratory Manager for the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA), talks about how to determine what’s in your drinking water and why it meets all state and federal standards on episode 40 of the  Water Smarts Podcast, “WHAT’S IN YOUR TAP WATER?” Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke https://www.snwa.com/

H2O HEROES: the Power of Water Smart Plumbers

May 24, 2023 21:00 - 27 minutes - 19.2 MB

If you have a plumbing program, do you know how to find a qualified professional to fix it? The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) takes the heavy lifting out of your search with its new Water Smart Plumbers program. Toby Bickmore with SNWA’s Conservation team explains the new online resource, what plumbers must do to qualify for the program, and how you can benefit from this new, free resource. Learn more on the Water Smarts Podcast, “H2O HEROES: The Power of Water Smart Plumbers.” Wat...

Henderson parks go water smart

May 10, 2023 15:00 - 16 minutes - 11.4 MB

City of Henderson (COH) is leading by example with its many water-saving projects. COH Municipal Forester Preston Goodman shares how replacing more than 2 million square feet of grass at 50 Henderson parks will save millions of gallons of water annually without impacting play areas. Find out how on the Water Smarts Podcast, “Henderson parks go water smart.” Water Smarts Podcast Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke https://www.snwa.com/

HOAs & AB356: what your HOA should do to comply with state law prohibiting decorative grass

March 29, 2023 16:00 - 30 minutes - 21.3 MB

There are more than 3,000 HOA communities in Southern Nevada, and all must be in compliance with a new Nevada law requiring decorative grass be replaced with water-smart options by the end of 2026. With HOA board turnover and multiple points of contact, how is the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) ensuring the HOAs are aware of and in compliance with the new law, which will save more than 5 billion gallons annually? Join SNWA’s Patrick Watson and Hillery Francis to learn how they’re rea...

SPEAKING FOR THE TREES: Star Nursery experts share tree tips for landscape upgrades

March 06, 2023 18:00 - 30 minutes - 21.3 MB

Trees are an important part of our community and urban environment, especially as we face a hotter, drier future in Southern Nevada. To protect our water supply, many residents and business owners are replacing water-thirsty grass with water-smart landscapes, but the upgrade process can put trees in jeopardy. Star Nursery experts Dr. Q and Joey Lynn Watt talk about how to shield trees during a landscape conversion and best practices to keep the trees thriving after completing the upgrade on ...

AGGRESSIVE & PROGRESSIVE: New conservation measures to drive down water use

February 14, 2023 20:00 - 47 minutes - 32.9 MB

Necessity is the mother of invention, and a 20-year megadrought is the driving force behind several new aggressive water conservation measures in Southern Nevada. Doug Bennett, SNWA Conservation Manager, and JC Davis, Director of Customer Care & Field Services for the Las Vegas Valley Water District, talk about how you might be impacted by the new conservation initiatives and what you can do to drive down your water use on the Water Smarts Podcast, “AGGRESSIVE & PROGRESSIVE: New conservation...

WHAT'S YOUR GRASS WORTH? New water rates encourage high water users to cut back

January 11, 2023 19:00 - 27 minutes - 19 MB

As Southern Nevada faces the second year of water reductions due to a federally-declared shortage on the Colorado River, water agencies are implementing new conservation measures and rate changes to drive down community water use. Water Smarts Podcast hosts Crystal Zuelke and Bronson Mack discuss two water rate changes that could mean significant increases for some customers if they don’t reduce their water use. Learn about these new conservation-driven rates on the Water Smarts Podcast, “WH...

We don't need x-ray glasses to find problem spots

November 28, 2022 21:00 - 38 minutes - 26.4 MB

If you change the brake pads or tires on your vehicle before they fail, you’re practicing good “asset management.” The Southern Nevada Water Authority asset management program helps keep the Las Vegas Valley water system in top condition and operating smoothly. Doa Ross, Deputy General Manager Engineering, and Ryan Benner, Engineering Asset Manager, talk about how they work to avoid major main breaks on the Las Vegas Strip and throughout the valley, and how innovative technologies like remot...

SPECIAL: City Cast Las Vegas Water Cop Ride Along

November 07, 2022 17:00 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MB

Water Smarts Podcast host Bronson Mack recently took City Cast Las Vegas host Dayvid Figler on a water waste ride along. The two talked turkey about how to spot and stop water waste with the help of LVVWD water waste investigator Cameron Donnarumma. In this special edition, we’re featuring the podcast produced and originally published by City Cast Las Vegas, titled “A Water Cop Ride Along.”   You can find the City Cast Las Vegas podcasts at https://pod.link/citycastlasvegas or on your favor...

TOP OF THE CLASS: Why the school district is leaning in strong on water conservation

October 17, 2022 15:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MB

The Clark County School District (CCSD) is leading the way with its water-smart projects, including converting 24 athletic fields to synthetic turf and replacing grass with water-smart landscaping at 195 schools. Combined, these projects save nearly 400 million gallons of water each year. Hear how these projects will impact valley schools and how CCSD is leaning in strong on water conservation. Mark Campbell, CCSD Director of Sustainability, Energy & Environmental Services, and JC Davis, SNW...

Tapping the truth on Colorado River shortage and its impacts to Nevada

September 19, 2022 19:00 - 38 minutes - 26.8 MB

How will additional water cuts under tier 2 shortage conditions impact Southern Nevada’s water supply next year? Why can’t we just cut off the water to other Colorado River users? How can our community continue to grow and thrive with its limited water supply? And, just who does use the most water in Southern Nevada? Colby Pellegrino, the SNWA Deputy General Manager of Water Resources, taps the truth on shortage, new development, and other Colorado River water users on episode 30 of the Wate...

GET REAL: Campaigns that make you laugh, gasp and turn down your watering clock

September 08, 2022 17:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MB

From a well-placed kick by “Mrs. Nuttington” to the body-checks by former Vegas Golden Knights hockey player Ryan Reaves, the public outreach campaigns by the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) and its ad agency have made people laugh, gasp and save water. SNWA’s Beth Moore gives the scoop on how these successful campaigns are created and the challenge of reaching the entire Las Vegas Valley on a limited budget. She also dishes fun, behind-the-scenes details about some of the more popula...

SPECIAL: Hey Hey Ho Ho, Your Ornamental Grass Has To Go

August 23, 2022 16:00 - 21 minutes - 15 MB

In this special Water Smarts Podcast, we feature an interview by Dayvid Figler of the City Cast Las Vegas Podcast with JC Davis, Enterprise Conservation Manager at the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA). Dayvid and JC talk about a new law, AB356, that was passed last year in response to our ever-worsening drought. The law will prohibit use of Colorado River water to irrigate decorative grass at businesses by the end of 2026.  JC breaks down what the new law mandates, the difference betwe...

EXECUTIVE ROUND TABLE: Colorado River shortages and impacts to Southern Nevada

July 26, 2022 17:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MB

A permanent aridification of the Colorado River due to climate change means those sharing the river also will have to share the pain of shortage reductions as less water flows from the Colorado River into lakes Powell and Mead. Southern Nevada relies on the river for 90 percent of its water supply yet is uniquely positioned to weather the reductions due to investments in infrastructure and the success of its conservation efforts. The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) Executive Team disc...

HOT! HOT! HOT! Water-smart tips to help your landscape survive the summer

July 11, 2022 23:00 - 24 minutes - 17 MB

Lake Mead’s water levels are at historic lows and the Colorado River is suffering from a decades-long megadrought, resulting in federal shortage declarations that have reduced Southern Nevada’s water supply. Since residential landscape irrigation consumes much of the Las Vegas Valley’s water, watering smart has never been more important. Doug Bennett, the Conservation Manager of the Southern Nevada Water Authority, shares tips to help residents set their irrigation systems so that their land...

HOT! HOT! HOT! Water-smart tips to help your landscape survive the summer

July 11, 2022 23:00 - 24 minutes - 17 MB

Lake Mead’s water levels are at historic lows and the Colorado River is suffering from a decades-long megadrought, resulting in federal shortage declarations that have reduced Southern Nevada’s water supply. Since residential landscape irrigation consumes much of the Las Vegas Valley’s water, watering smart has never been more important. Doug Bennett, the Conservation Manager of the Southern Nevada Water Authority, shares tips to help residents set their irrigation systems so that their land...

Yes, you can drink the tap water!

May 17, 2022 16:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MB

How do you know your tap water is safe to drink? Carolyn Faircloth, the Water Quality Laboratory Manager for the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA), shares how she and her team test and monitor our drinking water to ensure high-quality water is delivered to your home or business every day. Hosts Crystal Zuelke and Bronson Mack talk water quality and how you can find out what’s in our water on episode 25 of Water Smarts Podcast, “Yes, you can drink the tap water.”  https://www.snwa.com/

AH HA! How the pandemic led to new insights for wastewater surveillance

April 26, 2022 14:00 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MB

Scientists have been using sewage to track COVID-19 in the community throughout the pandemic and even now as the virus enters the endemic stage. Using wastewater surveillance helps scientists determine the prevalence of the virus and what variants are present in the Las Vegas Valley. We talk with Dr. Dan Gerrity, Principal Research Laboratory Scientist for the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA), and Dr. Edwin Oh, UNLV Associate Professor of Neurogenetics and Precision Medicine Lab, about...

AH HA! How the pandemic led to new insights for wastewater surveillance

April 26, 2022 14:00 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MB

Scientists have been using sewage to track COVID-19 in the community throughout the pandemic and even now as the virus enters the endemic stage. Using wastewater surveillance helps scientists determine the prevalence of the virus and what variants are present in the Las Vegas Valley. We talk with Dr. Dan Gerrity, Principal Research Laboratory Scientist for the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA), and Dr. Edwin Oh, UNLV Associate Professor of Neurogenetics and Precision Medicine Lab, about...

SPRING ALIVE! Garden and landscape tips from Star Nursery's Dr. Q and Joey Lynn Watt

March 31, 2022 22:00 - 36 minutes - 25.2 MB

Spring is the season for renewal the time when many of us get our hands dirty and spruce up our yards. We talk with Star Nursery experts Dr. Q and Joey Lynn Watt about how to irrigate, prune, fertilize and get rid of garden pests on episode 23 of the Water Smarts Podcast, “SPRING ALIVE! Garden and landscape tips from Star Nursery’s Dr. Q and Joey Lynn Watt.”  Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke https://www.snwa.com/

Southern Nevada is planning for a warmer, drier future

March 10, 2022 01:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MB

The permanent aridification of the Colorado River—the source of 90 percent of Southern Nevada’s water supply—means much less water will flow into Lake Mead in the future. The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) recently updated its Water Resource Plan to address aridification and other major impacts to the Las Vegas Valley water supply.   We talk with Zane Marshall, SNWA Director of Water Resources, about what this means for Southern Nevada and how everyone in the community can help prote...

HERBA NON GRATA: Groundbreaking law requires businesses replace decorative grass

February 10, 2022 17:00 - 28 minutes - 19.7 MB

Shortage conditions on the Colorado River have reduced Southern Nevada’s water supply by about 7 billion gallons. While homeowners have worked hard to conserve water and remove water-thirsty grass, the business community is lagging behind in this effort. We talk with JC Davis, Enterprise Conservation Manager for the Southern Nevada Water Authority, about a new law requiring businesses, HOAs and multifamily properties to stop irrigating nonfunctional turf with Colorado River water by the end ...

FROM LAKE TO TAP: Delivering Water Through a World-Class System

January 27, 2022 16:00 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MB

Southern Nevada’s water system operates 24 hours a day, every day treating and delivering water that is pumped through nearly 4,000 feet of elevation changes in order to serve more than 2 million people in the Las Vegas Valley. The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) pulls water from deep below Lake Mead, treats it, and pumps it to the member agencies, which then deliver it to homes and businesses. Join our hosts Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke as they talk with Ken Albright, Director of ...

DOWN THE DRAIN AND BACK AGAIN: Wastewater plays important role in Southern Nevada’s water cycle

November 17, 2021 16:00 - 25 minutes - 17.9 MB

Southern Nevada recycles 100% of the water it uses indoors—extending our limited water supply. For every gallon treated and returned to Lake Mead, we can pull another gallon out of the lake. Kim Adler, Assistant Manager at the Clark County Water Reclamation District, talks about how the “unseen utility” plays a high-profile role in treating and reusing Colorado River water in the valley and provides tips for holiday cooking cleanup on episode 19 of the Water Smarts Podcast, “Down the drain a...

TREES FOR TOMORROW: Protecting Las Vegas' urban forest

November 03, 2021 23:00 - 33 minutes - 23.4 MB

Las Vegas is the fastest warming city in the United States and as temperatures rise, the city’s urban forest of plants and trees will need to weather hotter, drier conditions. Doug Bennett, Conservation Manager for the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA), discusses how we can protect our tree canopy and plan for tree succession to help protect the valley’s urban forest, which is essential to helping reduce urban heat island impacts. Hear more on the Water Smarts Podcast, “Trees for Tomorr...

Trees for tomorrow: Protecting Las Vegas' urban forest

November 03, 2021 23:00 - 33 minutes - 23.4 MB

Las Vegas is the fastest warming city in the United States and as temperatures rise, the city’s urban forest of plants and trees will need to weather hotter, drier conditions. Doug Bennett, Conservation Manager for the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA), discusses how we can protect our tree canopy and plan for tree succession to help protect the valley’s urban forest, which is essential to helping reduce urban heat island impacts. Hear more on the Water Smarts Podcast, “Trees for Tomorr...

Clark County is ALL IN on building a resilient, sustainable community

October 07, 2021 13:00 - 34 minutes - 24 MB

Clark County is developing its first sustainability and climate action plan. The All-In Clark County plan focuses on enhancing quality of life, protecting our natural resources and diversifying our economy. Las Vegas is the fastest warming city in the nation, and the impacts of climate change are threatening our water and energy resources and creating other challenges for Southern Nevada. Marci Henson, Clark County’s Director of Environment and Sustainability, discusses the challenges posed ...

Warm Springs Natural Area: Playing a role in our water resource story and history

September 21, 2021 15:00 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MB

Located an hour north of Las Vegas, the Warm Springs Natural Area (WSNA) is an oasis in the Mojave Desert that has provided shelter to people and wildlife for centuries. The site has more than two dozen springs that feed into the Muddy River, which flows into Lake Mead. The WSNA is home to 28 endangered, threatened and sensitive species, including the Moapa dace which are found nowhere else in the world but in the WSNA’s warm, spring-fed waters. Zane Marshall, the director of Water Resources...

BUSINESS FACELIFT: Older properties get a refresh through the Water Smart Landscapes rebate

September 07, 2021 13:00 - 31 minutes - 21.4 MB

Replacing old, splotchy grass at mature properties can provide a facelift and improve customers’ first impression of a business, according to Katherine Harper, a property manager for Gatski Commercial Real Estate. Harper talks about how grass wastes water and money in addition to making a property look old and tired. She has helped several of her clients refresh their properties by upgrading their landscapes to an attractive water-smart alternative. Not only have her clients improved the aes...

Nevada responds to first ever federally-declared shortage on the Colorado River

August 16, 2021 22:00 - 38 minutes - 26.7 MB

Climate change-fueled drought conditions have led the federal government to issue a water shortage declaration on the Colorado River, a move that will reduce the amount of water Southern Nevada will be allowed to withdraw from Lake Mead beginning in January 2022. Combined with existing water reductions outlined in the Drought Contingency Plan, the declared shortage will cut Southern Nevada’s annual water allocation by nearly 7 billion gallons of water next year – enough to serve more than 40...

From trees to housing -- City of Las Vegas plans for a sustainable future

August 09, 2021 14:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MB

The City of Las Vegas is world renowned as the Entertainment Capital of the World, but did you know it also is leading the way in creating a sustainable future through its Master Plan 2050? Las Vegas planning expert Marco Velotta joins hosts Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke to talk about how Las Vegas is addressing water, energy and climate change issues and ensuring that the city continues to thrive well into the future on episode 13 of the Water Smarts Podcast, “From trees to housing – City...

GET OFF YOUR GRASS! New law aims to replace decorative grass in Southern Nevada by 2026

July 22, 2021 16:00 - 42 minutes - 29.6 MB

The Nevada Governor recently signed into law Assembly Bill 356 (AB356), which prohibits the use of Colorado River water to irrigate decorative, useless grass in streetscapes, medians, parking lots and other areas where it is used for nonrecreational purposes by the end of 2026. The law helps the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) advance its conservation goals by essentially requiring this grass to be replaced with water-smart landscapes. SNWA Deputy General Manager of Resources Colby ...

WaterStart -- Finding innovative solutions to water industry challenges

June 08, 2021 19:00 - 38 minutes - 26.9 MB

WaterStart serves as an innovation hub that brings water utilities and innovators together to test new technologies. From measuring arsenic in groundwater in real-time to finding leaks in the Las Vegas Valley Water District’s 6,500 miles of buried pipes, WaterStart innovators are helping the water industry use technology to solve the nagging challenges that keep utility staff up at night. SNWA Deputy General Manager of Operations Dave Johnson and WaterStart Executive Director Nate Allen shar...

On the Horizon Lateral – Pipeline project increases water system reliability, creates jobs

May 19, 2021 23:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MB

Currently, 40 percent of the Las Vegas Valley gets its water through the South Valley Lateral (SVL) transmission system. While the rest of Southern Nevada’s water transmission laterals have redundant facilities to ensure water delivery in the event of an emergency, the SVL is a single-feed system. In 2017, a leak in the pipeline required the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) to coordinate major repairs with the City of Henderson and Las Vegas Valley Water District to keep water flowing ...

On the Horizon Lateral – Pipeline project increases water system reliability, creates jobs

May 19, 2021 23:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MB

Currently, 40 percent of the Las Vegas Valley gets its water through the South Valley Lateral (SVL) transmission system. While the rest of Southern Nevada’s water transmission laterals have redundant facilities to ensure water delivery in the event of an emergency, the SVL is a single-feed system. In 2017, a leak in the pipeline required the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) to coordinate major repairs with the City of Henderson and Las Vegas Valley Water District to keep water flowing ...

Making conservation easy - for businesses

April 19, 2021 14:00 - 37 minutes - 26.2 MB

Show Summary: There are more than 5,000 acres of useless grass in Southern Nevada that only gets used when someone runs a lawn mower over it. And while residential property owners have stepped up and removed grass from their yards through the Water Smarts Landscapes rebate, the majority of remaining non-functional turf is on commercial and HOA properties, medians, and streetscapes. Patrick Watson, Conservation Programs Administrator with the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA), discusses...

Making conservation easy - for residents

March 31, 2021 14:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MB

Conservation is one of the most important actions Southern Nevadans can take to protect our limited water supply – particularly as we continue to weather a severe drought in the Colorado River basin. Toby Bickmore, Conservation Programs Administrator with the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA), shares watering tips and how to get cash incentives for saving water in the Las Vegas Valley.    Recommended resources: Earn $3 a square foot for grass replaced with a Water Smart Landscape. F...

Poops don't lie - tracking a pandemic using wastewater

March 15, 2021 15:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MB

Every time Southern Nevadans flush the toilet, they’re helping scientists at the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWSA) and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas study the prevalence of COVID-19 in the community. SNWA researchers Dan Gerrity and Katerina Papp talk about how they ensure the coronavirus is not in our drinking water supply, and how they can track a pandemic using raw sewage samples and wastewater surveillance on episode 7 of the Water Smarts podcast: “Poops don’t lie – Tracking ...

Don't go with the flow - STOP water waste

March 01, 2021 15:00 - 27 minutes - 19 MB

Protecting Southern Nevada’s water resources by preventing and stopping water waste is all in a day’s work for Summer Ortiz and Perry Kaye from the Las Vegas Valley Water District’s water waste team. Summer and Perry share tips on how to prevent water waste, and how to help stop it around your neighborhood on this episode of the Water Smarts podcast.   You can help protect our limited water supply by keeping water on your property, letting your neighbors know if they have an irrigation probl...

Shoring up the Las Vegas Wash -- where imploded Las Vegas casinos live on

February 08, 2021 16:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MB

Show Summary: Where do Las Vegas casinos go after they’re imploded? Several of them have found a second life as material for erosion-control structures that help shore up the banks of the Las Vegas Wash, a 12-mile natural channel that plays an important role in Southern Nevada’s watershed. The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) and the Las Vegas Wash Coordination Committee have worked for two decades to protect the Wash, which carries treated wastewater, storm water and urban runoff to ...

Going deep to protect Southern Nevada's water supply

January 20, 2021 21:00 - 21 minutes - 14.7 MB

 As Lake Mead water levels dropped due to drought, the two major water intakes pulling water from the lake for Southern Nevada were getting perilously close to the surface. Doa Ross, the deputy general manager of engineering for the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA), joins the Water Smarts podcast to talk about how SNWA engineered a solution and constructed a new intake deep below the lake’s surface and a pumping station to push water from the intake to the water treatment facilities lo...

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