Water Smarts Podcast

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 Zuelkehttps://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 Zuelkehttps://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 Zuelkehttps://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 Zuelkehttps://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 Zuelkehttps://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 Zuelkehttps://www.snwa.com/https://www.snwa.com/

Why doesn't Las Vegas need water towers like in the Midwest? How is SNWA protecting the community's water supply from the impacts of drought? How can homeowners get help paying to find and fix water leaks? Doa Ross, SNWA Deputy General Manager of Engineering, answers these questions and more on the Water Smarts Podcast, “ALWAYS ON TAP: Pipes & pumps keep water flowing in Las Vegas.”Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelkehttps://www.snwa.com/

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 Zuelkehttps://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 Zuelkehttps://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 Zuelkehttps://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 Zuelkehttps://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 Zuelkewww.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/ 

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 Zuelkehttps://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 Zuelkehttps://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 Zuelkehttps://www.snwa.com/ 

As Southern Nevada enters its third year under federally-declared shortage conditions, the community is thriving and surviving despite the water cuts. Colby Pellegrino, SNWA Deputy General Manager of Resources, talks about Colorado River Basin conditions, negotiations around future water supplies, and how conservation is helping the community live under shortage conditions. Hear more on this episode of the Water Smarts Podcast.Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelkehttps://www.snwa.com/ 

John Entsminger, Southern Nevada Water Authority general manager, recently joined Jeff Szabo, the CEO of the Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA), for a lively discussion about East Coast vs. West Coast water issues. Serving 1.2 million people in New York, SCWA is one of the largest groundwater suppliers in the nation. While the sources of water for the two agencies differ, one thing is clear: conservation is key to ensuring the long-term economic and environmental sustainability of the communities served. Hear more on the What About Water? podcast, Drought – East vs West.

Business leaders and the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) have collaborated on a Water Investment Rating tool to evaluate new businesses looking to locate in the community. The two-phase rating system relies on quantitative and qualitative calculations to determine the water footprint of new businesses and the benefit to the community. Dave Johnson, SNWA Deputy General Manager of Operations, shares insights into why the rating system was developed and how it's being implemented in Southern Nevada on episode 44 of the Water Smarts Podcast, “SMART GROWTH: Water Investment Rating tool helps measure water, economic impact of new businesses.”Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelkehttps://www.snwa.com/

The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) has two new initiatives to encourage more tree plantings and expand the community's urban forest. Zane Marshall, SNWA's Director of Water Resources, shares details about how property owners can get a cash incentive of $100 per new tree planted as part of the Water Smart Landscapes Rebate. Marshall also talks about the long-term benefit of a robust urban forest on episode 43 of the Water Smarts Podcast, “SHADY SMART: SNWA spreads shade with new tree bonus, urban forest initiative.”Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelkehttps://www.snwa.com/

From finding leaks in 6,500 miles of buried pipeline to managing the complexities of regulatory compliance, technology is helping agencies like the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) solve the unique challenges facing the water industry. Dave Lynch, CEO of technology company Klir, and SNWA's Deputy General Manager of Operations Dave Johnson talk tech and how the nonprofit WaterStart helps match innovators with water utilities looking for practical solutions on episode 42 of the Water Smarts Podcast, “TECH TALK:  Technology helps water utilities respond to challenges.”Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelkehttps://www.snwa.com/

Leaks inside and outside your home can cause devastating damage and significantly increase your water bill. The Las Vegas Valley Water District (LVVWD) has improved its leak notification system so that customers get notified within days of a potential problem and before a high water bill may arrive. We talk with Dennis Demera, LVVWD Customer Care & Field Services Manager, about the new system and how customers can ensure they're notified quickly of potential leaks on their property.Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelkehttps://www.snwa.com/

As summer heats up, we all drink more water. You can find out what's in your tap water by reviewing your water agency's Water Quality Report. Carolyn Faircloth, the Water Quality Laboratory Manager for the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA), talks about how to determine what's in your drinking water and why it meets all state and federal standards on episode 40 of the  Water Smarts Podcast, “WHAT'S IN YOUR TAP WATER?”Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelkehttps://www.snwa.com/

If you have a plumbing program, do you know how to find a qualified professional to fix it? The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) takes the heavy lifting out of your search with its new Water Smart Plumbers program. Toby Bickmore with SNWA's Conservation team explains the new online resource, what plumbers must do to qualify for the program, and how you can benefit from this new, free resource. Learn more on the Water Smarts Podcast, “H2O HEROES: The Power of Water Smart Plumbers.”Water Smarts Podcast Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelkehttps://www.snwa.com/

City of Henderson (COH) is leading by example with its many water-saving projects. COH Municipal Forester Preston Goodman shares how replacing more than 2 million square feet of grass at 50 Henderson parks will save millions of gallons of water annually without impacting play areas. Find out how on the Water Smarts Podcast, “Henderson parks go water smart.”Water Smarts Podcast Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelkehttps://www.snwa.com/

There are more than 3,000 HOA communities in Southern Nevada, and all must be in compliance with a new Nevada law requiring decorative grass be replaced with water-smart options by the end of 2026. With HOA board turnover and multiple points of contact, how is the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) ensuring the HOAs are aware of and in compliance with the new law, which will save more than 5 billion gallons annually? Join SNWA's Patrick Watson and Hillery Francis to learn how they're reaching out to HOAs and why doggy bag stations just won't make the grade when it comes water-smart landscape areas on the Water Smarts Podcast, “HOAS & AB356: What your HOA should do to comply with state law prohibiting decorative grass.”Water Smarts Podcast Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal ZuelkeHOAs can call 702-862-3740 for more information or to schedule a presentation to their boards.https://www.snwa.com/

Trees are an important part of our community and urban environment, especially as we face a hotter, drier future in Southern Nevada. To protect our water supply, many residents and business owners are replacing water-thirsty grass with water-smart landscapes, but the upgrade process can put trees in jeopardy. Star Nursery experts Dr. Q and Joey Lynn Watt talk about how to shield trees during a landscape conversion and best practices to keep the trees thriving after completing the upgrade on the Water Smarts Podcast, “SPEAKING FOR THE TREES: Star Nursery experts share tree tips for landscape upgrades.”Water Smarts Podcast Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelkehttps://www.snwa.com/

Necessity is the mother of invention, and a 20-year megadrought is the driving force behind several new aggressive water conservation measures in Southern Nevada. Doug Bennett, SNWA Conservation Manager, and JC Davis, Director of Customer Care & Field Services for the Las Vegas Valley Water District, talk about how you might be impacted by the new conservation initiatives and what you can do to drive down your water use on the Water Smarts Podcast, “AGGRESSIVE & PROGRESSIVE: New conservation measures to drive down water use.”Water Smarts Podcast Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelkehttps://www.snwa.com/

As Southern Nevada faces the second year of water reductions due to a federally-declared shortage on the Colorado River, water agencies are implementing new conservation measures and rate changes to drive down community water use. Water Smarts Podcast hosts Crystal Zuelke and Bronson Mack discuss two water rate changes that could mean significant increases for some customers if they don't reduce their water use. Learn about these new conservation-driven rates on the Water Smarts Podcast, “WHAT'S YOUR GRASS WORTH? New water rates encourage high water users to cut back.”https://www.snwa.com/

If you change the brake pads or tires on your vehicle before they fail, you're practicing good “asset management.” The Southern Nevada Water Authority asset management program helps keep the Las Vegas Valley water system in top condition and operating smoothly. Doa Ross, Deputy General Manager Engineering, and Ryan Benner, Engineering Asset Manager, talk about how they work to avoid major main breaks on the Las Vegas Strip and throughout the valley, and how innovative technologies like remotely operated vehicles help pinpoint system weaknesses before catastrophe strikes.Water Smarts Podcast Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelkehttps://www.snwa.com/

Water Smarts Podcast host Bronson Mack recently took City Cast Las Vegas host Dayvid Figler on a water waste ride along. The two talked turkey about how to spot and stop water waste with the help of LVVWD water waste investigator Cameron Donnarumma. In this special edition, we're featuring the podcast produced and originally published by City Cast Las Vegas, titled “A Water Cop Ride Along.”  You can find the City Cast Las Vegas podcasts at https://pod.link/citycastlasvegas or on your favorite podcast app. Follow them on Twitter @CityCastVegas. Water Smarts Podcast Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelkehttps://www.snwa.com/

The Clark County School District (CCSD) is leading the way with its water-smart projects, including converting 24 athletic fields to synthetic turf and replacing grass with water-smart landscaping at 195 schools. Combined, these projects save nearly 400 million gallons of water each year. Hear how these projects will impact valley schools and how CCSD is leaning in strong on water conservation. Mark Campbell, CCSD Director of Sustainability, Energy & Environmental Services, and JC Davis, SNWA Enterprise Conservation Manager, share their insights on episode 31 of the Water Smarts Podcast, “TOP OF THE CLASS: Why the school district is leaning in strong on water conservation.”Water Smarts Podcast Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelkehttps://www.snwa.com/

How will additional water cuts under tier 2 shortage conditions impact Southern Nevada's water supply next year? Why can't we just cut off the water to other Colorado River users? How can our community continue to grow and thrive with its limited water supply? And, just who does use the most water in Southern Nevada? Colby Pellegrino, the SNWA Deputy General Manager of Water Resources, taps the truth on shortage, new development, and other Colorado River water users on episode 30 of the Water Smarts Podcast, “Tapping the truth on Colorado River shortage and its impacts to Nevada.” 

From a well-placed kick by “Mrs. Nuttington” to the body-checks by former Vegas Golden Knights hockey player Ryan Reaves, the public outreach campaigns by the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) and its ad agency have made people laugh, gasp and save water. SNWA's Beth Moore gives the scoop on how these successful campaigns are created and the challenge of reaching the entire Las Vegas Valley on a limited budget. She also dishes fun, behind-the-scenes details about some of the more popular ads on episode 29 of the Water Smarts Podcast, “GET REAL: Campaigns that make you laugh, gasp and turn down your watering clock.”Water Smarts Podcast Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelkehttps://www.snwa.com/

In this special Water Smarts Podcast, we feature an interview by Dayvid Figler of the City Cast Las Vegas Podcast with JC Davis, Enterprise Conservation Manager at the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA). Dayvid and JC talk about a new law, AB356, that was passed last year in response to our ever-worsening drought. The law will prohibit use of Colorado River water to irrigate decorative grass at businesses by the end of 2026.  JC breaks down what the new law mandates, the difference between “functional” and “nonfunctional turf,” and why this law is so important. You can find the City Cast Las Vegas podcasts at https://pod.link/citycastlasvegas or on your favorite podcast app. Follow them on Twitter @CityCastVegas. Water Smarts Podcast Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelkehttps://www.snwa.com/

A permanent aridification of the Colorado River due to climate change means those sharing the river also will have to share the pain of shortage reductions as less water flows from the Colorado River into lakes Powell and Mead. Southern Nevada relies on the river for 90 percent of its water supply yet is uniquely positioned to weather the reductions due to investments in infrastructure and the success of its conservation efforts. The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) Executive Team discusses current conditions, expected shortages and how the community can continue to grow despite the dire conditions facing the Colorado River. Featured guests include General Manager John Entsminger, Deputy General Managers Colby Pellegrino and Dave Johnson, and Legal Counsel Greg Walch.Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelkehttps://www.snwa.com/

Lake Mead's water levels are at historic lows and the Colorado River is suffering from a decades-long megadrought, resulting in federal shortage declarations that have reduced Southern Nevada's water supply. Since residential landscape irrigation consumes much of the Las Vegas Valley's water, watering smart has never been more important. Doug Bennett, the Conservation Manager of the Southern Nevada Water Authority, shares tips to help residents set their irrigation systems so that their landscapes survive and thrive during our harsh desert summer on episode 26 of Water Smarts Podcast, “HOT! HOT! HOT! Water-smart tips to help your landscape survive the summer.”Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelkehttps://www.snwa.com/

How do you know your tap water is safe to drink? Carolyn Faircloth, the Water Quality Laboratory Manager for the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA), shares how she and her team test and monitor our drinking water to ensure high-quality water is delivered to your home or business every day. Hosts Crystal Zuelke and Bronson Mack talk water quality and how you can find out what's in our water on episode 25 of Water Smarts Podcast, “Yes, you can drink the tap water.” https://www.snwa.com/

Scientists have been using sewage to track COVID-19 in the community throughout the pandemic and even now as the virus enters the endemic stage. Using wastewater surveillance helps scientists determine the prevalence of the virus and what variants are present in the Las Vegas Valley. We talk with Dr. Dan Gerrity, Principal Research Laboratory Scientist for the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA), and Dr. Edwin Oh, UNLV Associate Professor of Neurogenetics and Precision Medicine Lab, about how their wastewater surveillance research helped health professionals and elected officials during the COVID-19 pandemic. The two researchers share their “Ah Ha!” moments and the future of wastewater surveillance on episode 24 of Water Smarts Podcast, “AH HA! How the pandemic led to new insights for wastewater surveillance.”Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelkehttps://www.snwa.com/https://empower.unlv.edu/

Spring is the season for renewal the time when many of us get our hands dirty and spruce up our yards. We talk with Star Nursery experts Dr. Q and Joey Lynn Watt about how to irrigate, prune, fertilize and get rid of garden pests on episode 23 of the Water Smarts Podcast, “SPRING ALIVE! Garden and landscape tips from Star Nursery's Dr. Q and Joey Lynn Watt.” Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelkehttps://www.snwa.com/

The permanent aridification of the Colorado River—the source of 90 percent of Southern Nevada's water supply—means much less water will flow into Lake Mead in the future. The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) recently updated its Water Resource Plan to address aridification and other major impacts to the Las Vegas Valley water supply.   We talk with Zane Marshall, SNWA Director of Water Resources, about what this means for Southern Nevada and how everyone in the community can help protect our water supply on episode 22 of the Water Smarts Podcast, “Southern Nevada is planning for a warmer, drier future.” Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelkehttps://www.snwa.com/

Shortage conditions on the Colorado River have reduced Southern Nevada's water supply by about 7 billion gallons. While homeowners have worked hard to conserve water and remove water-thirsty grass, the business community is lagging behind in this effort. We talk with JC Davis, Enterprise Conservation Manager for the Southern Nevada Water Authority, about a new law requiring businesses, HOAs and multifamily properties to stop irrigating nonfunctional turf with Colorado River water by the end of 2026.Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelkehttps://www.snwa.com/

Southern Nevada's water system operates 24 hours a day, every day treating and delivering water that is pumped through nearly 4,000 feet of elevation changes in order to serve more than 2 million people in the Las Vegas Valley. The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) pulls water from deep below Lake Mead, treats it, and pumps it to the member agencies, which then deliver it to homes and businesses. Join our hosts Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke as they talk with Ken Albright, Director of Operations, and find out why you can count on water coming out of your tap on episode 20 of the Water Smarts Podcast, “From Lake to Tap: Delivering Water Through a World-Class System.”Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelkehttps://www.snwa.com/

Southern Nevada recycles 100% of the water it uses indoors—extending our limited water supply. For every gallon treated and returned to Lake Mead, we can pull another gallon out of the lake. Kim Adler, Assistant Manager at the Clark County Water Reclamation District, talks about how the “unseen utility” plays a high-profile role in treating and reusing Colorado River water in the valley and provides tips for holiday cooking cleanup on episode 19 of the Water Smarts Podcast, “Down the drain and back again.”Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelkesnwa.com

Las Vegas is the fastest warming city in the United States and as temperatures rise, the city's urban forest of plants and trees will need to weather hotter, drier conditions. Doug Bennett, Conservation Manager for the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA), discusses how we can protect our tree canopy and plan for tree succession to help protect the valley's urban forest, which is essential to helping reduce urban heat island impacts. Hear more on the Water Smarts Podcast, “Trees for Tomorrow—Protecting Las Vegas' urban forest.”Hosts:   Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelkesnwa.com

Clark County is developing its first sustainability and climate action plan. The All-In Clark County plan focuses on enhancing quality of life, protecting our natural resources and diversifying our economy. Las Vegas is the fastest warming city in the nation, and the impacts of climate change are threatening our water and energy resources and creating other challenges for Southern Nevada. Marci Henson, Clark County's Director of Environment and Sustainability, discusses the challenges posed by climate change and how the county is preparing on the Water Smarts Podcast, “Clark County is ALL-IN on building a resilient, sustainable community.” 

Located an hour north of Las Vegas, the Warm Springs Natural Area (WSNA) is an oasis in the Mojave Desert that has provided shelter to people and wildlife for centuries. The site has more than two dozen springs that feed into the Muddy River, which flows into Lake Mead. The WSNA is home to 28 endangered, threatened and sensitive species, including the Moapa dace which are found nowhere else in the world but in the WSNA's warm, spring-fed waters. Zane Marshall, the director of Water Resources for the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA), talks about why the springs are an important part of Southern Nevada's watershed, what SNWA is doing to protect the area, and how biologists protect the tiny Moapa dace to ensure their population health on episode 16 of the Water Smarts Podcast.  

Replacing old, splotchy grass at mature properties can provide a facelift and improve customers' first impression of a business, according to Katherine Harper, a property manager for Gatski Commercial Real Estate. Harper talks about how grass wastes water and money in addition to making a property look old and tired. She has helped several of her clients refresh their properties by upgrading their landscapes to an attractive water-smart alternative. Not only have her clients improved the aesthetics of their properties, but they also are realizing cost savings from lower water bills and landscape maintenance costs. Doug Bennett, the Conservation Manager for the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA), joins the conversation to explain how the Water Smart Landscapes rebate can help pay for most, if not all, of the conversion projects on episode 15 of the Water Smarts Podcast, “BUSINESS FACELIFT: Older properties get a refresh through the Water Smart Landscapes rebate.”

Climate change-fueled drought conditions have led the federal government to issue a water shortage declaration on the Colorado River, a move that will reduce the amount of water Southern Nevada will be allowed to withdraw from Lake Mead beginning in January 2022. Combined with existing water reductions outlined in the Drought Contingency Plan, the declared shortage will cut Southern Nevada's annual water allocation by nearly 7 billion gallons of water next year – enough to serve more than 40,000 Las Vegas Valley households for a year. Colby Pellegrino, Deputy General Manager of Resources for the Southern Nevada Water Authority, joins the Water Smarts Podcast on episode 14 to discuss how Nevada is responding to the first ever federally-declared shortage on the Colorado River.

The City of Las Vegas is world renowned as the Entertainment Capital of the World, but did you know it also is leading the way in creating a sustainable future through its Master Plan 2050? Las Vegas planning expert Marco Velotta joins hosts Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke to talk about how Las Vegas is addressing water, energy and climate change issues and ensuring that the city continues to thrive well into the future on episode 13 of the Water Smarts Podcast, “From trees to housing – City of Las Vegas plans for a sustainable future.”