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Utilities
DIVISION: UTILITIES
TOPIC: DROUGHT WATERING RESTRICTIONS
North Las Vegas residents, businesses and government agencies
are affected by drought watering restrictions. The new mandatory restrictions
are part of a regional drought plan aimed at helping the community cope
with the drought.

Click here to download the 2007 Watering Restrictions Flyer (.pdf 88 KB)
Drought Related Ordinances
Click on the Ordinance links below to view the complete
ordinance.
Learn more about Water
Conservation and view our Water
Saver's Home Guide
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)Click here for a printer-friendly, full-scale version of the Drought Alert
and Rates FAQs, .
What work are we doing to target some of the HOAs that
are making residents keep turf when they want to convert to Water Smart
landscaping?
After proposed Title 17 changes preventing HOAs from restricting Water
Smart landscaping are implemented, additional outreach to HOAs will occur.
How has the Utility division staff prepared for the new drought requirements?
The City has partnered with the Southern Nevada Water Authority to meet
the dramatically increased interest in Water Smart landscaping conversions.
In terms of water waste enforcement, field personnel from the Utility
division and other divisions will be supporting their efforts to identify
water waste.
How has the Utility division prepared for the public perception concerns
about responding to leaks in the street?
The Utility division is acutely aware of the public's sensitivity to
main breaks and other water leaks and gives leaks priority over maintenance
projects.
Is water waste prohibited?
Yes, as a condition of water service agreement as well as by city and
county ordinances.
What's the penalty?
The fee amount is based upon the drought level, the meter size and the
number of previous violations.
How will the Utility division determine if there is a water waste
violation on my property?
A water waste investigator will conduct a field investigation. A warning
letter will be sent prior to assessing any monetary penalties. Video footage
of the violation will be captured to protect your rights.
Can I protest the violation?
Yes, you can submit your protest in writing within 14 days of the date
shown on your notice of violation. You may mail or fax the written protest.
You can participate in an administrative hearing for your case.
Can future enforcement and fees be suspended if I am working toward
correcting the problem?
The City is interested in working with customers to identify permanent
solutions to water waste. You may apply for a temporary suspension of
water waste rules to pursue corrective action. You must request and submit
an application for a Water Waste Abatement Arrangement. Please call 633-1484
for an application.
All fees assessed prior to the arrangement approval must be paid.
Do I have options other than paying the fee?
Fees must be paid with your water bill but first-time fees may be rebated
for those who attend an approved water-efficiency class.
What happens after the fee assessment?
A Water Waste Investigator will conduct a follow-up investigation. If
you have not corrected the water waste situation, additional fees may
be assessed.
Is any additional help available?
Yes, the Southern Nevada Water Authority is a regional agency that offers
free water conservation services and programs. Participating in a water-efficiency
initiative may help to prevent water waste. Call 258-SAVE (7283) or visit
cityofnorthlasvegas.com or snwa.com for more information.
Other Questions?
Please contact us. The Water Conservation Hotline is 633-1216, and is
checked from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
What is the City doing to conserve water?
The City has an ethical and environmental obligation to lead by example,
by being an effective steward of the City's natural resources. The Parks
& Recreation Department's goal is to contribute to achieving a reduction
of annual water consumption by using strategies such as removal of turf,
renovation of old technology irrigation systems and, more drought-tolerant
species.
During the Drought Alert, the city will adhere to the same watering schedule
as the general public, which should reduce consumption by approximately
30% annually.
This could result in browning of athletic fields this Fall. The Parks
& Recreation Department will discuss aesthetics and play ability concerns
in advance with users.
What about the City's Golf Course?
The City's Municipal Golf Course currently uses 30 million gallons per
year. Under a Drought Alert, the water reduction schedule reduces consumption
by approximately 20%.
What has the City done to contribute to water conservation?
The City recently removed turf at City Hall and replaced it with a Desert
Demonstration Garden, saving 2.3 million gallons of water per year. In
addition, the City has incorporated the use of drought-tolerant landscaping
in new park & facility design. Landscape design for public rights-of-way
do not incorporate turf areas.
What will the City do in the future to conserve water?
The City will change design standards. Examples include: selecting plant
material (turf type, trees, shrubs) that are not high water users; designing
irrigation systems that integrate with the existing Central Computer Irrigation
network; installing liquid fertilization technology into the existing/new
irrigation systems; and only use turf if it has a use other than aesthetics.
What projects does the city have planned for 2003-04 budget that pertains
to water conservation?
- Irrigation system renovation at Hartke, Hebert, Valley View parks
and Golf Course.
- Turf removal and conversion at Neighborhood Recreation Center,
Tonopah Park and frontage of Kiel Ranch.
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- We are evaluating future turf removal and conversion at other sites,
as funding permits.
- The Council recently approved renovation of a number of parks in
the mature community through the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management
Act Round 5 process.
Will the City be changing its maintenance program?
Yes. The City will reduce the number of overseeding cycles from two times
to once in the Spring. In addition, the City will increase the number
of times we fertilize. This will help to maintain the green color a little
longer in the Fall.
Southern Nevada Water Authority Conservation Facts
- Approximately 70 percent of water used by single-family households
is used outdoors.
- Fifteen to 30 percent of water used by hotels/casinos is used outdoors,
primarily for air conditioning.
- A square foot of lushly-planted water-smart landscaping consumes approximately
75 percent less water than an equal amount of turf.
- Homes built in 2000 use about 57,000 gallons less water annually (15
percent) than a similar-sized home built in 1980. This is primarily due
to increased efficiency in plumbing codes, smaller lot sizes, and more
efficient appliances.
- The community-wide water conservation goal is 25 percent by 2010.
In 2002, the community achieved 16.4 percent (goal was 20.2 percent).
This represents 32 billion gallons of water saved. The goal was missed
by 9.3 million gallons.
- Each year, 30 billion gallons of water is wasted, primarily due to
inefficient landscape watering practices. This is approximately one-third
of Nevada's Colorado River apportionment.
For more information, call 633-1484 or visit www.snwa.com.
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