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.

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)

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.

• 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.
>
• 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

1. Approximately 70 percent of water used by single-family households is used outdoors.
2. Fifteen to 30 percent of water used by hotels/casinos is used outdoors, primarily for air conditioning.
3. A square foot of lushly-planted water-smart landscaping consumes approximately 75 percent less water than an equal amount of turf.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.