As the winter season sets in, Las Vegas and its surrounding areas are gearing up for another round of stringent water conservation measures. Here’s a snapshot of the latest developments in the past 48 hours and beyond.

### Water Conservation Plans

Henderson, a suburb of Las Vegas, has just adopted a new joint water conservation plan with the Southern Nevada Water Authority. The goal is ambitious: to reduce daily water consumption to 86 gallons per person, a decrease of three gallons from the 2023 target. This plan, approved unanimously by the Henderson City Council, aims to continue cracking down on water theft and impose fees on violators. From 2021 to 2023, over 134,000 water use compliance investigations were conducted, resulting in more than 14,000 fines.

### Winter Watering Restrictions

Starting November 1, outdoor watering in the Las Vegas Valley is restricted to one assigned day per week, with Sunday watering prohibited year-round. These winter watering restrictions could help Southern Nevadans save big on their water bills. By adhering to these rules, community water usage can be reduced by 20%, and individual water bills could decrease by the same percentage. For instance, a $100 water bill could drop to $80. However, violations will incur fines starting at $80, with higher fees for repeated offenses.

### Colorado River Cuts

Nevada is facing its fourth consecutive year of water cuts from the Colorado River due to persistently low levels at Lake Mead. Despite recent snowfall, the lake's water level is expected to dip close to its all-time low in the next two years. Under the current "Tier 1" shortage, Nevada will reduce its water draw by 21,000 acre-feet, or 6 billion gallons, about 7% of its annual allotment. This is part of a broader effort across the Lower Basin states to conserve 3 million acre-feet of water by 2026.

### Rebates and Incentives

To encourage water conservation, the Southern Nevada Water Authority and Henderson are offering rebates for residents who convert their grass landscapes to more water-efficient options. For example, Henderson offers an additional $1.50 per square foot on top of the $3-$5 rebate per square foot provided by the Water Authority for converting up to 10,000 square feet of grass. In fiscal year 2023, Henderson contributed to the conversion of 1.3 million square feet of grass and distributed $953,000 in additional rebates.

### Water Rates and Compliance

In January 2024, Henderson increased water rates for single-family residential units and other metered units, with higher tiers facing increased pricing. For instance, the volume charge for the highest tier increased from $7.30 per 1,000 gallons to $9.05 per 1,000 gallons. These measures are part of a comprehensive strategy to incentivize water conservation and ensure compliance with the new water use targets.

As Las Vegas navigates these water challenges, residents are urged to be proactive. Adjusting irrigation clocks, watering mid-morning to avoid ice, and reducing watering for trees and plants can all contribute to significant savings. By working together, the community can make a substantial impact on water conservation and ensure a more sustainable future for the region.