Water Smarts Podcast

Las Vegas owes its very existence to groundwater. Native peoples relied on natural springs that bubbled to the surface; early settlers farmed using water from the springs and groundwater aquifer; and Las Vegas became a townsite because the railroad needed a stop where it could refill its steam locomotive water tanks. The Las Vegas Springs stopped flowing in 1962, but Southern Nevada still relies on the groundwater aquifer for 10 percent of its water supply.  Learn more about groundwater and how the Southern Nevada Water Authority helps protect the aquifer on the Water Smarts Podcast, “WHAT LIES BENEATH: Southern Nevada groundwater is a hidden resource for the community.”

Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke

https://www.snwa.com/

https://www.snwa.com/

Relief from the scorching summer heat is nearing, and it’s time to prep your yard for fall and winter. Horticulturist and arborist Joey Lynn from Star Nursery joins us to talk landscape tips and suggest plants and trees that thrive in the desert. Find out how you can have year-round color in your yard, when to prune plants, and what grows in your garden in the cooler months on the Water Smarts Podcast, “IN SEASON: Star Nursery’s tips for fall and winter.”

Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke

https://www.snwa.com/

https://www.snwa.com/

Despite appearances, the Las Vegas Strip resorts only consume 6 percent of Southern Nevada’s water supply. MGM Resorts Vice President of Sustainability Michael Gulich, and SNWA Conservation Manager Mike Bernardo talk about how the hotels use water, including why the Bellagio Fountain does not impact Southern Nevada’s Colorado River water allocation. From replacing moats with artificial turf to testing new technologies, MGM Resorts is ensuring its properties and operations are as water smart as possible. 

Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke 
https://www.snwa.com/

https://www.snwa.com/

Leaks are an expensive nuisance, increasing your water bill and costing hundreds if not thousands of dollars to repair. They also impact the community’s water supply when you combine the water lost to leaks at all Southern Nevada homes and businesses. JC Davis, the director of Customer Care & Field Services at the Las Vegas Valley Water District (LVVWD), shares details about a new suite of programs from LVVWD and the Southern Nevada Water Authority that will help homeowners pay for professional services to find and fix leaks. 

Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke

https://www.snwa.com/

https://www.snwa.com/

Ever wonder what's in your tap water? You can find test results of the drinking water supply in your water agency’s Water Quality Report, which is published each summer. Carolyn Faircloth, the Water Quality Laboratory Manager for the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA), talks about the reports and addresses common questions about issues such as odor, taste and PFAS on the  Water Smarts Podcast, “STRAIGHT FROM THE TAP: What’s in your drinking water?”

Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke

https://www.snwa.com/

https://www.snwa.com/

Because Southern Nevada recycles 100% of the water it uses indoors, it’s important you know what you shouldn’t flush or put down the drain. Nearly all our wastewater is highly treated and returned to Lake Mead. Michael Phillips with the Clark County Water Reclamation District talks about how wastewater plays an important role in our water cycle, and how you can help protect our water supply on the Water Smarts Podcast, “TOILET OR TRASH? Why what you flush impacts our water cycle.”

Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke

www.snwa.com

https://www.snwa.com/

In Southern Nevada, grass is the largest consumer of the community’s water supply. But, did you know that the evaporative cooling systems chilling large buildings like hotels and schools are the second largest consumer of our water? The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) has implemented a moratorium on new evaporative cooling systems and offers rebates for properties to upgrade or replace existing systems to more water-efficient cooling options. SNWA conservation expert Mike Weintz and WaterStart Interim Executive Director Rebecca Shanahan talk about options for large buildings, promising new technologies, and rebates to help pay for them on the Water Smarts Podcast, “COOL TRENDS: How businesses can keep cool & stay water smart.”

Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke
https://www.snwa.com/ 

https://www.snwa.com/

The clock is ticking! AB356, the state law prohibiting use of Colorado River water to irrigate nonfunctional turf, takes effect in less than three years. Businesses, HOAs and multifamily properties need to replace grass with drip-irrigated plants and trees by Jan. 1, 2027. SNWA conservation expert Patrick Watson shares how SNWA can help property owners comply with the law and take advantage of the current Water Smarts Landscape rebate, which will DECREASE for nonfunctional grass projects at the end of this year.

Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke

https://www.snwa.com/ 

https://www.snwa.com/

It’s no secret the SNWA Water Smart Landscapes rebate helps property owners replace water-thirsty grass with drip-irrigated trees and plants. Now the cat’s out of the bag on the rebate’s increase to $5 per square foot. Learn how you can take advantage of this temporary increase from SNWA conservation expert Toby Bickmore on the Water Smarts Podcast, “REBATE RISING: Landscape rebate increased to $5 a sq ft for residential properties.”

Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke

https://www.snwa.com/ 

https://www.snwa.com/

When Tropical Storm Hilary hit the Mount Charleston area, the resulting flood wiped away roads, downed power lines and washed out water mains. Las Vegas Valley Water District (LVVWD) crews were on the scene within hours of the storm assessing the damage and planning repairs to the badly damaged water system in the Kyle Canyon community. LVVWD’s Aaron Gamble and Tom Burns talk about the emergency response efforts that included helping the fire department ferry residents to safety on  the Water Smarts Podcast, “EMERGENCY RESPONSE: LVVWD responds to tropical storm damage in Kyle Canyon.” 

Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke

https://www.snwa.com/ 

https://www.snwa.com/