Drought Watch

Water conservation measures that went into effect Aug. 1, 2003, under drought watch conditions include:

• Restrictions on planting turf in common areas of new residential developments such as along sidewalks. 
• A ban on planting grass in all commercial/non-residential developments.
• A ban on planting cool-season grasses, such as tall fescue or rye grass, from May through August.
• Limits on use of mister systems outside commercial business. Mist systems may be used only in June, July and August between noon and 10 p.m.
• Residential car washing limited to once a week. Homeowners are required to equip hoses with trigger-style positive shut-off nozzles.
• Golf courses are subject to water budgets and will face fees for use of any water over budgeted amounts. 
• All customers are part of assigned watering groups. Each group may water only on assigned watering days. During the winter, groups are assigned one watering day per week. During the spring and fall, groups may water three assigned days per week, with Sunday as an optional watering day.
• The Las Vegas Valley Water District and other area providers will step up enforcement of water-waste rules. If water waste is observed on a property, customers are issued a warning and given time to make repairs. If the problem is not corrected, a water waste fee is issued. Fees are based on the size of the meter that serves the property. First-time residential fees typically start at $20. Fees double with additional violations.
• Restrictions on the use of fountains and water features are in effect. Some exceptions include recreational water parks, swimming pools and spas, existing water features that sustain aquatic animals, and residential and housing development water fountains with less than 200 square feet of surface area (10 feet wide by 20 feet long).

Fountains located in the resort corridor are allowed to operate under Drought Watch and Drought Alert conditions if properties file a water efficiency and conservation plan by Jan. 30, 2004. Signs will be posted at features explaining that they are allowed to operate under the drought ordinance and that the property has filed a water efficiency and conservation plan as required. The board adopted this exception because the Las Vegas Strip is a vital part of our local economy and fountains and water features play a key role in its allure as a world-renowned tourist destination. Southern Nevada hotels account for approximately 7 percent of the valleys water use.  See Water Fountain Information for more details.