Residents of Boulder City see the reminder of the drought and federal shortage declarations every day when they see the water ring around Lake Mead. Federal, state, and municipal water providers in the Colorado River basin have worked together for more than a decade to slow the decline of Lake Mead water levels which include shortage guidelines and drought contingency plan. City Council in Boulder City unanimously adopted changes to City Ordinances, using measures as recommended by the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA). Similar changes are being proposed throughout Southern Nevada. With some exceptions, the majority of the changes take effect on September 15, 2022.
Ensuring that water resources are property managed is a priority to City staff. “We are working on several projects to eliminate water waste and conserve the water we use,” said Taylour Tedder, City Manager. “We appreciate the lead SNWA has taken and the guidance they provide as we work to be better stewards of this precious resource.”
The City set aside American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for several conservation projects. City Council approved removal of 721,000 square feet of turf at Boulder City Municipal Golf Course. Among the updates to City ordinances:
• Effective January 1, 2023, allowing water to continuously flow or spray into the public right-of-way, gutter, street, sidewalk, etc. is prohibited (with minimal exceptions, such as use of water to clean driveways, sidewalks, or household items; emergency use; vehicle washing; and water needed for construction projects).
• Turf installation at new schools, parks, and cemeteries must meet specified requirements, such as water smart landscaping.
• Effective January 1, 2023, new swimming pools cannot exceed 600 square feet in area and must drain into the sewer.
• Watering is prohibited on Sunday.
• Installing any turf at new residential construction is prohibited.
• Restrictions on man-made lakes and operation of certain water features are added.
Additional enforcement provisions are being added to assist the City with enforcing the code. Civil violations will be addressed through a “notice of violation.” The proceeds of any fines collected are required to be used for water conservation purposes including customer incentives such as turf rebate programs, smart irrigation meters, and water efficient irrigation systems. To learn more about the work being done in Boulder City, as well as to learn about rebates and recommendations from the SNWA, visit www.bcnv.org/water.