Document Details

Hidden Oasis: Water Conservation and Efficiency in Las Vegas

Taryn Hutchins-Cabibi, Matthew Heberger, Peter Gleick, Heather Cooley, Michael Cohen | November 20th, 2007


Two of the West’s preeminent water organizations report Las Vegas Valley is sitting on an oasis of water and money savings. In their new report, the Pacific Institute and Western Resource Advocates find up to 40% of water could be saved in some sectors through improvements to indoor and outdoor water efficiency. They also found that through improving indoor water efficiency in particular, Las Vegas residents and businesses can cut water-related energy use and greenhouse gases. These findings are contained in Hidden Oasis: Water Conservation and Efficiency in Las Vegas available for download below.

“Ninety percent of Las Vegas’ water efficiency money is spent on one program—turf removal. This program is important, but participation has waned and it is far from the only tool at their disposal,” said Heather Cooley, report co-author and Pacific Institute Senior Associate. “Las Vegas should capitalize on strategies that other Western cities have proven to be effective.”

Hidden Oasis reveals that the Southern Nevada Water Authority, which provides water to Las Vegas and surrounding communities, can tap a number of tested, cost-effective efficiency measures to cut current water waste by up to 86,000 acre-feet. Single-family homes in Las Vegas use 100 gallons of water outside, per person, per day—almost entirely for landscaping. This use is substantially higher than in Los Angeles, Tucson, or Albuquerque. Reducing Las Vegas’ outdoor water use to more reasonable levels could cut Nevada’s total Colorado River withdrawals by 10 percent.

Researchers found that by improving and expanding existing programs, and adding programs proven elsewhere in the West, the SNWA can cut Las Vegas homeowners’ indoor water waste by 40% and hotel and casino water waste by 30%. These indoor efficiency gains come from upgrading fixtures and appliances, not changing behavior. Improving total water efficiency not only saves significant water and energy expenses, it also better insulates the region from drought.

“Improving indoor and outdoor water efficiency makes Las Vegas less vulnerable to current and future droughts,” said Taryn Hutchins-Cabibi, report coauthor and Water Policy Analyst at WRA. “Given the scarcity of fresh water, rising energy prices, and the looming threat of climate change, Las Vegas’ water customers need the SNWA’s help to curb unnecessary water waste and save money.”

Keywords

urban water conservation, water use efficiency