by Kristen Howey
Recently, members throughout Southern Nevada were asked to join together in faith and participate in a special fast to “temper the elements that He might provide snow in the mountains and rain in the desert valleys, that the drought might be moderated and the reservoirs filled.” (from Presidents Bingham and Robison memo to stake presidents)
What caused the drought?
Nearly 90 percent of Southern Nevada’s water supply comes from the Colorado River, which begins as snowmelt in the western Rocky Mountains. The snowmelt travels through a series of tributaries into the river, which winds its way south for 1,400 miles and empties into the Gulf of California.
Since 2000, the Rocky Mountains have received trillions of gallons less snowfall than normal, resulting in devastating drought on the Colorado River that threatens the entire southwest. The impact of the drought is most visible at lakes Mead and Powell, which are both fed by the Colorado, and are at 48 percent capacity. Increased snowpack in the western Rockies is essential to drought relief. Indeed, the opening of the heavens to provide more water is truly the only way to end or lessen this drought.
The river is divided among Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming according to a 1922 Colorado River Compact. Mexico also has rights to a portion of its water. Its use and operation is governed by a series of compacts, laws and court decisions collectively known as the Law of the River. Nevada receives the smallest apportionment of the river—less than 2 percent of the water that flows down the River.
What’s being done to protect our community?
Community leaders and agencies are doing their part to ensure a reliable water supply for our future. The Southern Nevada Water Authority has banked more than 500 billion gallons of water reserves and has sought state approval to draw upon unused, renewable groundwater supplies in east-central Nevada. They’re also building a new drinking water intake deep within Lake Mead so we can access Colorado River water if the lake continues to recede.
On December 6, 2007, the Colorado River Commission and Southern Nevada Water Authority announced a series of historic interstate agreements with other Colorado River States that outline new rules for sharing shortages on the river system with other basin states and jointly operating reservoirs along lakes Mead and Powell during drought conditions. In addition, the SNWA, along with Arizona and California water agencies, will construct a new reservoir near the California-Mexico border that will capture unused agricultural water. In exchange for the water captured, the states will receive “credits” for a portion of that conserved water.
Act well thy part
None of these efforts would be enough, if it weren’t for the efforts of valley residents and business owners doing their part. Thanks to your willingness to embrace water conservation, our community used 18 billion gallons less water last year than it did five years ago, even with an additional 330,000 residents and 40 million annual visitors.
As President David O. McKay often said, “What e’er thou art, act well thy part.” Our Heavenly Father has given us dominion, or stewardship, over all things on the earth and has made us accountable for them. With that in mind, here are a few simple things your family can do during this time of drought:
1. Got grass? Use it wisely.
The largest water user in Southern Nevada might surprise you. Residential customers use 60 percent of Southern Nevada’s drinking water, most of it for landscaping. By comparison, hotels and casinos use 7 percent, golf courses use 8 percent.
In our harsh desert climate, grass uses up to four times the amount of water than other plants, trees and shrubs. Kids need places to play and pets need room to run and jump but if there are water-guzzling grassy areas of your yard that never get used, consider replacing these areas with more water-efficient plants. You’ll discover too that water-efficient doesn’t mean doing without—you can still have a lush, colorful yard and be more water smart. And to offset landscaping costs, the Southern Nevada Water Authority offers a $1.50 per square foot lawn replacement rebate. Visit snwa.com or call 258-SAVE for details. To date, valley residents and businesses have replaced nearly 100 million square feet of grass saving 5 billion gallons of water annually.
2. Follow the rules
Homes and businesses throughout the valley have been assigned mandatory watering days. By complying with the mandatory watering schedule, you’ll save thousands of gallons of water and maintain a healthy landscape. Also, when it rains, be sure to turn off your irrigation system. Turning off sprinkler systems for one day saves more than 500 gallons of water.
3. Fix that drip
Check and repair faucets, showers, irrigation systems and toilets that may have leaks. Many repairs can be quick, cost-effective and will reduce water use, saving you money in the long run.
4. Under cover
Pool owners, did you know that you can save 10,000–15,000 gallons per year by using a pool cover? The SNWA offers a pool cover rebate coupon for up to $200 off or half the cost of a pool cover.
5. Fill’er up!
Only run washing machines and dishwasher when they’re full and save hundreds of gallons per month. If it’s time for new appliances, consider a front-load washer, which use up to 50 percent less water per load.
Working together, we will meet the challenges ahead. Continue to pray for snow in the western Rocky Mountains to stop the drought and do your part to conserve the natural resources with which we have been blessed.
Kristen Howey, a Las Vegas native, is a member of the South Pointe Ward, Henderson Green Valley stake, and a spokesperson for the Southern Nevada Water Authority.
