Water Smarts Podcast
by Southern Nevada Water Authority
From the banks of the Colorado River and Lake Mead to the homes and businesses of Southern Nevada, the Water Smarts podcast covers how we treat, deliver, use, protect and conserve water in the Las Vegas Valley. Hosts Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke – along with experts from the Southern Nevada Water Authority who keep the water flowing – hope to make you a little smarter about the one thing that keeps us all connected – water.
Episodes
-
COMMUNITY CONSERVATION: More than a drop in the bucket
As historic drought continues to grip the Colorado River Basin, Southern Nevada has emerged as a national leader in water conservation. On this episode, SNWA’s Toby Bickmore shares how the community rose to the challenge, the simple steps residents and businesses can take to save even more water,...
-
BEYOND THE TAP: How SNWA protects your drinking water
Safe drinking water doesn't happen by accident. In this episode of the Water Smarts Podcast, Carolyn Faircloth, SNWA Water Quality Laboratory Manager, discusses the extensive testing program that goes above and beyond regulatory requirements to protect public health. She also breaks down new EPA...
-
DATA CENTERS, DEVELOPMENT & DROUGHT: Building a water-smart Southern Nevada
How much water are data centers and other businesses using in Southern Nevada? SNWA Enterprise Conservation Manager Mike Bernardo shares the facts about data center water use, explains how new developments are being designed with water efficiency in mind, and discusses the looming deadline for…
more -
WATER SOMMELIERS: SNWA panel uses taste, aroma to help track water quality
What does it take to be a water sommelier? In this episode of the Water Smarts Podcast, hosts Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke go behind the scenes at SNWA’s River Mountains Water Treatment Facility to meet the scientists who analyze and taste test our drinking water as members of the Water Flavor...
-
WATER WARRIORS: Las Vegas businesses are doing more with less
Las Vegas may be known for entertainment, but it’s also respected as a leader in water conservation. While the region continues to grow, Southern Nevada is using less water today than it did two decades ago—a testament to community-wide conservation efforts. In this episode, SNWA’s Pietra…
more -
SPECIAL: City Cast Las Vegas interview with SNWA’s John Entsminger
Recently, federal water regulators took an emergency step that would divert huge amounts of water to Lake Powell. The move will preserve the reservoir’s ability to generate power and avoid nearing deadpool – at the cost of dramatically cutting water to Lake Mead, likely sending the lake to its...
-
SPRING IS A BUZZIN’: Star Nursery’s Joey Lynn shares landscape tips for a happy, healthy yard
Spring has officially arrived, and desert landscapes are bursting back to life! In this episode of the Water Smarts Podcast, we’re joined by Star Nursery’s Joey Lynn, whose passion for plants is as vibrant as the season itself. Joey Lynn walks us through simple, practical ways to refresh your...
-
TAP THE TRUTH: Crystal and Bronson answer your questions about all things water in Southern Nevada
Ever wonder what resorts and businesses are doing to conserve water, or how Southern Nevada can continue to grow under drought conditions? Crystal and Bronson talk about those topics and more on this special episode of the Water Smarts Podcast, “TAP THE TRUTH: Crystal and Bronson answer your...
-
SPRUNG A LEAK? Get financial help finding and fixing leaks
Finding and fixing leaks can be challenging and expensive. The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) and Las Vegas Valley Water District (LVVWD) offer several programs that help homeowners pay for professional services to find and fix water-wasting leaks. JC Davis, LVVWD Director of Customer…
more -
SUSTAINABLE WATER RECYCLING: Don't be a pain in the drain
You probably never think about what happens when you flush the toilet, but a team of dedicated staff at the Clark County Water Reclamation District (CCWRD) make it their business to ensure our wastewater is treated and returned to Lake Mead. Southern Nevada recycles 100 percent of the water that...
-
ON THE COLORADO: SNWA's John Entsminger talks about ongoing collaboration between Colorado River water users and Southern Nevada's water future
Southern Nevada relies on the Colorado River for 90 percent of its water supply, yet we receive the smallest share of the river. SNWA General Manager John Entsminger shares why ongoing collaboration between Colorado River water users is imperative to respond to climate change and aridification....
-
North Las Vegas works to protect community from rising temperatures
Southern Nevada is one of the fastest warming regions in the United States and rising temperatures are straining our urban forest. The City of North Las Vegas (NLV) is working to protect its residents from increased temperatures, which are expected to rise as much as 9 degrees by mid Century. NLV...
-
NATIONAL TREASURE: Henderson parks are nationally-recognized AND water smart
The City of Henderson boasts some of the best parks in the nation, but the city isn’t sitting on its laurels. Henderson is ensuring its parks remain beautiful, but also water smart. Henderson’s Municipal Forester Preston Goodman talks trees, athletic fields, and plans for a shade-filled future on...
-
LAKE LIFE: Limnologists study Lake Mead to protect our drinking water
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...
-
INDUSTRY-CHANGING RESEARCH: SNWA water quality lab celebrates 25 years
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…
more -
FLEXING THEIR WATER SMARTS: Teens in Youth Council are the GOATs of H2O conservation in So. Nv.
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...
-
NEVER ON EMPTY: Infrastructure investments ensure access to our water supply
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...
-
JENGA IN THE WILD: Rewilding endangered species supports historic ecosystem
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...
-
THIRST QUENCHERS: Nevada's nonfunctional grass law and alternative grasses help protect community's water supply
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...
-
ALWAYS ON TAP: Pipes & pumps keep water flowing in Las Vegas
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…
more -
WHAT LIES BENEATH: Southern Nevada groundwater is a hidden resource for the community
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...
-
IN SEASON: Star Nursery's tips for fall and winter
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...
-
SUSTAINABLE FOCUS: MGM Resorts invests to save water
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...
-
LEAKS HAPPEN: Get help finding and fixing water leaks
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 &…
more -
STRAIGHT FROM THE TAP: What's in your drinking water?
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...
-
TOILET OR TRASH? Why what you flush impacts our water cycle
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...
-
COOL TRENDS: How businesses can keep cool & stay water smart
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...
-
AB356: Time's running out to 86 nonfunctional grass by the end of '26
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…
more -
REBATE RISING: Landscape rebate increased to $5 a sq ft for residential properties
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...
-
EMERGENCY RESPONSE: LVVWD responds to tropical storm damage in Kyle Canyon
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...
-
SURVIVING SHORTAGE: Southern Nevada relies on conservation, future water augmentation
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…
more -
SPECIAL: "What About Water?" interview with SNWA's John Entsminger
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...
-
SMART GROWTH: Water Investment Rating tool helps measure water, economic impact of new businesses
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…
more -
SHADY SMART: SNWA spreads shade with new tree bonus, urban forest initiative
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...
-
TECH TALK: Technology helps water utilities respond to challenges
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...
-
REAL TIME RESULTS: LVVWD improves leak notifications to help customers quickly find & fix leaks
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...
-
WHAT'S IN YOUR TAP WATER?
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…
more -
H2O HEROES: the Power of Water Smart Plumbers
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…
more -
Henderson parks go water smart
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…
more -
HOAs & AB356: what your HOA should do to comply with state law prohibiting decorative grass
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...
-
SPEAKING FOR THE TREES: Star Nursery experts share tree tips for landscape upgrades
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...
-
AGGRESSIVE & PROGRESSIVE: New conservation measures to drive down water use
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...
-
WHAT'S YOUR GRASS WORTH? New water rates encourage high water users to cut back
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...
-
We don't need x-ray glasses to find problem spots
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...
-
SPECIAL: City Cast Las Vegas Water Cop Ride Along
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...
-
TOP OF THE CLASS: Why the school district is leaning in strong on water conservation
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…
more -
Tapping the truth on Colorado River shortage and its impacts to Nevada
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…
more -
GET REAL: Campaigns that make you laugh, gasp and turn down your watering clock
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...
-
SPECIAL: Hey Hey Ho Ho, Your Ornamental Grass Has To Go
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...
-
EXECUTIVE ROUND TABLE: Colorado River shortages and impacts to Southern Nevada
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…
more
About this show
From the banks of the Colorado River and Lake Mead to the homes and businesses of Southern Nevada, the Water Smarts podcast covers how we treat, deliver, use, protect and conserve water in the Las Vegas Valley. Hosts Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke – along with experts from the Southern Nevada Water Authority who keep the water flowing – hope to make you a little smarter about the one thing that keeps us all connected – water.
Hosted by
Southern Nevada Water Authority
Categories