You probably never think about what happens when you flush the toilet, but a team of dedicated staff at the Clark County Water Reclamation District (CCWRD) make it their business to ensure our wastewater is treated and returned to Lake Mead. Southern Nevada recycles 100 percent of the water that goes down the drain or toilet. For every gallon of water returned to the lake, Southern Nevada can withdraw another gallon, helping stretch our limited water supply. CCWRD’s Bud Cranor talks about the CCWRD’s important-albeit smelly-job of ensuring they squeeze and clean every drop of water they collect from the valley’s sanitary sewer on the Water Smarts Podcast, “SUSTAINABLE WATER RECYCLING: Don’t be a Pain in the Drain.”

Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke

https://www.snwa.com/

https://www.snwa.com/

Southern Nevada relies on the Colorado River for 90 percent of its water supply, yet we receive the smallest share of the river. SNWA General Manager John Entsminger shares why ongoing collaboration between Colorado River water users is imperative to respond to climate change and aridification. John also talks about why Southern Nevada is one of the most water secure Colorado River Basin states, what future water sources the agency is considering, and how the community has helped protect its water supply. 

 Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke

https://www.snwa.com/

https://www.snwa.com/

Southern Nevada is one of the fastest warming regions in the United States and rising temperatures are straining our urban forest. The City of North Las Vegas (NLV) is working to protect its residents from increased temperatures, which are expected to rise as much as 9 degrees by mid Century. NLV Municipal Forester Eddie Rodriguez shares how the city is adapting and preparing for a warmer future and shares how residents can take action as well on the Water Smarts Podcast, “North Las Vegas works to protect community from rising temperatures.”

Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke

https://www.snwa.com/

The City of Henderson boasts some of the best parks in the nation, but the city isn’t sitting on its laurels. Henderson is ensuring its parks remain beautiful, but also water smart. Henderson’s Municipal Forester Preston Goodman talks trees, athletic fields, and plans for a shade-filled future on this episode of the Water Smarts Podcast, “NATIONAL TREASURE: Henderson parks are nationally-recognized AND water smart.”

Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke

https://www.snwa.com/

https://www.snwa.com/

Runoff in the Colorado River is expected to be 55 percent of normal this year which means Lake Mead water levels will drop. Lake levels and inflows to the lake can impact our drinking water supply. Limnologists Todd Tietjen and Deena Hannoun share how their research helps protect our drinking water, and how their studies help other Colorado River Basin water agencies on this episode of the Water Smarts Podcast. 

Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke

https://www.snwa.com/

https://www.snwa.com/

SNWA researchers have been at the forefront of emerging water issues for the past 25 years, and their discoveries have helped protect Southern Nevada’s drinking water supply. SNWA scientists have helped stop quagga mussel infestations from blocking water intake pipes and helped implement ozonation to the water treatment process. Eric Wert, Water Quality Research & Development Manager, talks about the emerging issues the lab currently is tracking and what might be the next generation of water treatment on this episode of the Water Smarts Podcast. 

Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke

https://www.snwa.com/
 

https://www.snwa.com/

The SNWA Youth Conservation Council (YCC) is hosting the Earth Day Celebration at the Springs Preserve on April 19. YCC members share details about the event’s super cool activities and the new children’s book they’ve created. They also discuss why they’re passionate about water conservation on this episode of the Water Smarts Podcast. 

Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke

https://www.snwa.com/

It takes a lot of engineering and expertise to deliver water throughout the Las Vegas Valley. Buck Osborne, Operations Director for the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA), talks about how our water system is designed and maintained to ensure access to our water supply, even during emergencies and natural disasters. Buck shares how SNWA’s investment in our water infrastructure ensures a secure, reliable water supply.  

Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke

https://www.snwa.com/

https://www.snwa.com/

When Las Vegas Valley artesian springs ran dry decades ago, several species disappeared from the landscape. Rewilding projects at the Springs Preserve have helped rebuild the native habitat and protect endangered species like the Pahrump Poolfish, Relict Leopard Frog and Desert Tortoise. Dr. Ray Saumure, SNWA Senior Environmental Biologist, talks about the challenges of repopulating endangered species and how the discovery that the tiny frogs are cannibalistic may help ensure a sustainable population.

Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke

https://www.snwa.com/

AB356—the Nevada law that prohibits use of Colorado River water to irrigate nonfunctional turf—takes effect Jan. 1, 2027. Mike Bernardo, SNWA Enterprise Conservation Manager, talks about the law and how SNWA can help property owners prepare. Mike also addresses community concerns about replacing grass with drip-irrigated plants and trees, and how new alternative grasses can be a water-smart option for thirsty lawns on the Water Smarts Podcast, “THIRST QUENCHERS: Nevada’s nonfunctional grass law and alternative grasses help protect community’s water supply.”

Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke

https://www.snwa.com/

https://www.snwa.com/