As we all know, Nevada is the driest US state, and Las Vegas is a desert. As plumbers, this makes us deeply interested in the sources of water in the city. The water need grew exponentially for the town after it exploded as a vacation and gambling destination. If you are wondering how Las Vegas gets water to meet the demand in the middle of the desert, here we offer the details.
There are two primary sources of water supply in Las Vegas to meet the current water needs: the Colorado River and groundwater. While the water from the Colorado River is mainly taken from Lake Mead, groundwater is pumped from the underground rivers and aquifers.
Colorado River
90% of the water used in Las Vegas, both by its residents and the visitors, comes from the Colorado River. The water starts as rain and from the melting of the snow in the Rocky Mountains. The water then travels via several tributaries into the river. The water from River Colorado is shared by seven western states and Mexico, serving around 40 million people. Water conservation is the top priority of the State as the river supply has suffered severe drought for 20 years, reducing the water in Lake Mead. Since Nevada is still not using the full amount of water allocated to it, there will not be any impact on the current water use even if a shortage is declared.
Groundwater
Las Vegas valley groundwater accounts for 10% of the city’s municipal water supply. This water comes from under the surface of the Earth. The area where the groundwater is found is known as an aquifer. There are three such main aquifer zones, and a thick layer of clay and sediment protect this water form contamination. The water is pumped from these aquifers for supply to the city. These aquifers get their water from rain and snowmelt from the mountains surrounding the valley. Several users who don’t get water supply from the municipality, rely on more than 6000 wells within the city for groundwater year-round.
Recycling
Of the 40% of the water used indoors, about 99% of it is captured, treated, and recycled, for indirect or direct use.
Water Conservation
Conservation is the best way to cut both current and future water demands. There are various steps taken to conserve water by reducing its consumption. Some of these include:
- Aggressive campaigns to educate citizens to reduce their water consumption through Smart plumbing appliances and WaterSense products.
- Computerized monitors installation for leak detection in the city’s water infrastructure.
- Xeriscaping and watering the vegetation during the night, as in the dry and arid climate, the water evaporates quickly during the day.
- Seasonal watering restrictions
- Rebates and coupons for locals for reducing consumption and waste.
The Las Vegas Wash
The Las Vegas Wash contributes approximately 2% of Lake Mead’s water. The water that flows through the wash is from urban run-off, stormwater, treated wastewater, and shallow groundwater. The Las Vegas Wash is a natural wetland that helps protect the water supply and home to various animal and plant species. Several programs are assisting in protecting and restoring the wash.
If you want to join the ranks of water conservation advocates and need Smart plumbing appliances installed, WaterSense products to prevent waste, or even just want that leaky faucet fixed, why not give us a call? We’d love to hear from you.
Royalty Plumbing offers high-quality residential plumbing services in the areas of Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and Summerlin.