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/...
Jun 11, 2025•22 min•Season 5Ep. 63
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 wate...
May 21, 2025•27 min•Season 5Ep. 62
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/
Apr 10, 2025•22 min•Season 5Ep. 61
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.snw...
Mar 31, 2025•19 min•Season 5Ep. 60
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 popu...
Feb 13, 2025•34 min•Season 5Ep. 59
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...
Dec 31, 2024•26 min•Season 5Ep. 58
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 Zuelke https://www.snwa.com/...
Dec 05, 2024•34 min•Season 4Ep. 57
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 t...
Oct 08, 2024•23 min•Season 4Ep. 56
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 ...
Sep 10, 2024•39 min•Season 4Ep. 55
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 ...
Aug 12, 2024•40 min•Season 4Ep. 54
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 professi...
Jul 03, 2024•33 min•Season 4Ep. 53
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 htt...
Jun 06, 2024•36 min•Season 4Ep. 52
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: Bronso...
May 07, 2024•25 min•Season 4Ep. 51
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 Water...
Apr 04, 2024•25 min•Season 4Ep. 50
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 ...
Mar 06, 2024•21 min•Season 4Ep. 49
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...
Feb 13, 2024•33 min•Season 4Ep. 48
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 Sma...
Jan 22, 2024•26 min•Season 4Ep. 47
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 Zuelke https://www.snwa.com/ https...
Nov 29, 2023•39 min•Season 3Ep. 46
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 commun...
Nov 06, 2023•31 min•Season 3Ep. 45
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 Souther...
Oct 25, 2023•25 min•Season 3Ep. 44
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 b...
Oct 04, 2023•19 min•Season 3Ep. 43
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...
Sep 19, 2023•31 min•Season 3Ep. 42
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: ...
Aug 28, 2023•21 min•Season 3Ep. 41
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 Zuelke https://www.snwa.com/ https://www....
Jul 10, 2023•19 min•Season 3Ep. 40
If you have a plumbing problem, 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 S...
May 24, 2023•28 min•Season 3Ep. 39
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 Zuelke https://www.snwa.com/ https://www.snwa.com/...
May 10, 2023•17 min•Season 3Ep. 38
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 reachin...
Mar 29, 2023•31 min•Season 3Ep. 37
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 ...
Mar 06, 2023•31 min•Season 3Ep. 36
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 conse...
Feb 14, 2023•48 min•Season 3Ep. 35
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’...
Jan 11, 2023•27 min•Season 3Ep. 34
