Las Vegas, the city that teaches how to combat drought (and save water)

Las Vegas implements new regulations to reduce water consumption.

The Colorado River is facing the worst drought in the last 110 years, a problem affecting 40 million people across seven U.S. states, including Arizona and Nevada. The Las Vegas Valley, in particular, receives about 90% of its water from Lake Mead, a reservoir located on the Colorado River.

Often considered a symbol of extreme consumption, Las Vegas has nearly halved its per capita water consumption since 2002 to fight the drought. Today, thanks to hydraulic tunnels installed by the Southern Nevada Water Authority, including Intake 3 built by Webuild, much of the water used in the city is recycled and pumped back into Lake Mead, ensuring adequate water levels.

Moreover, in 2021, a law was introduced banning grass in new yards and limiting it in older ones, paying residents to remove their lawns, and imposing strict irrigation schedules and limits. By 2027, all non-essential green spaces, such as those in roundabouts, office buildings, and condominiums, will have to be removed. The water authority estimates that the ban on unnecessary grass will save 9.5 billion gallons of water, approximately 10% of the Southern Nevada water supply.

To ensure compliance with the regulations, Las Vegas has employed a team of 50 investigators dedicated to monitoring water use in every home and casino. Violations, such as watering gardens and plants between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. or owning pools larger than 600 square feet, will result in fines ranging from $80 to $1,300.