As a Las Vegas Realtor, the most common questions our clients ask are about water. Do you also think! is Las Vegas out of Water? They want to know about the water situation in the Las Vegas area.
- Will we have a water supply problem in Vegas?
- What happens if the water runs out?
- Will the drought affect us?
It’s understandable that they have worries, let’s look at answers to the questions. Las Vegas has had drought conditions for 15 years, and water levels are down 140 feet. 
The Las Vegas Valley successfully implemented a Las Vegas Water Conservation Plan. We thought Lake Mead (a man-made reservoir) saw its lowest water level in 2015, but it’s gotten worse.
Now, in 2021, the water level in Lake Mead is at the lowest level in almost 85 years. Water levels haven’t been this low since the lake was filled in the 1930s.
How Do You Deal with Water Conservation?
Residents and the business owners have collectively succeeded in our efforts to annually save more than 40% despite new residents.
Even with 5000 people a month relocating to Las Vegas for 30 years, reduced water usage is a collective success. Every person and business in the Las Vegas Valley changed their lifestyle, even if it was just in their landscaping. Great job Las Vegas!
Colorado River dependent cities hit the emergency water level mark in October 2021. Every city along the Colorado River water source chain had its water allotments cut.
Since Las Vegas committed to severe reductions years ago, the pain of reduction should be minimal.
Is Las Vegas In A Drought?
In 2020, there were no significant rainfall measurements at the McCarran Airport for over 250 days. McCarran Airport is the location where the rain measurements have always been taken. The news channels made it a point to point out that there was “Trace” rain, just no “measurable” rain.
No rain for 250 days, was a record since records started being kept in the area. Although there were isolated rain showers in other parts of Vegas, they didn’t make a dent in the water tables.
Add to that, the snowfall was also low in the Rocky Mountains. They are typically a large contributing factor to Lake Mead’s water level. Even with the water shortage announcements, Las Vegas locals have dealt with water use reduction like pros.
Water conservation is a way of life – and they’ve been used to this lifestyle for years. Even without the drought – Las Vegans would be subconsciously doing many water conservation measures. Water conservation is actually an easily manageable and doable lifestyle.
Does Las Vegas Get Any Rain?
Las Vegas receives around 4.19 inches of rain per year. To put it into perspective – Los Angeles gets 15.1 inches on average. Going further, Miami averages at 59.1 inches.
Going back to another location where it’s comparably dry as well – Phoenix gets 8.03 inches of rain. Las Vegas is actually the driest medium-sized city in the United States.
With such low rain and snow levels, it hasn’t been easy to fill up Lake Mead for years. As a city, we need to cover water needs for 2 million residents plus 250,000 tourists every day.
How Much Water Does Las Vegas Consume?
Routine usage of water by a typical resident includes drinking, cooking, cleaning, washing, and maintaining proper hygiene. Plants and landscaping use water but swimming pools use way less water than grass.
Las Vegas also has to maintain the illusion of desert paradise to tourists. The Las Vegas Strip comes complete with lush landscaping, palm trees, and assorted plants that require watering.
A lot of water is needed to maintain the oasis. Hotel premises, parks, golf courses – all need water to function.
With heat and a water shortage, Las Vegas is not an ideal place to grow food. Do you know that 93% of California’s Colorado River water allotment goes towards crop irrigation?
Where Does Las Vegas Get Water From?
Southern Nevada gets its water supply strictly from the Colorado River and underground aquifers. We divide consumption at 90% river and 10% wells.
Residents and the Water District have community wells built around the area. All waste and drainage water are treated and re-released into Lake Mead.
What’s Happening to Lake Mead?
Lake Mead is this man-made reservoir formed from the Hoover Dam, now Boulder Dam, and the Colorado River. By capacity, it’s the largest reservoir in the US.
Years ago, the 100+ miles of shoreline around the lake were still visible. This is not true anymore. Today there is a tall white ring around the entire lake from minerals and water level down 140 feet.
Water has been released from Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell in Utah. The release was mandated as part of a solution to the drought.
However, Lake Mead supplies many states. The release was literally “a drop in the bucket.” Water from Lake Mead goes to Arizona, Nevada, California, and Northern Mexico.
How’s The Water Conservation Going?
The Las Vegas Water Authority pays residents to remove grass and switch to desert landscaping. Businesses and communities removed their water fountains and created hardscaping.
The City of Las Vegas and Clark County have installed “no water” landscaping along roads and freeways. The beauty of the roadways utilizing rock and iron art and statuary is brilliant.
is Las Vegas out of Water?
We do not conserve water so much as we have implemented water conservation into our lifestyles. Saving 40% despite acquiring more than twice the residents is simply awesome!
Homes For Sale In Las Vegas
Las Vegas has had the advantage of massive growth in the last 20 years. 75% of all homes were built in the last 20 years so energy-efficient features were built into each home.
The use of tankless water heaters and recirculating hot water systems make a difference. To learn more about the Green Building Options, see our blog about Buying New Construction Homes.
We suggest that you explore the area’s housing without interactive Las Vegas Zip Code Maps. Click on a yellow pin and see pictures with prices in each area.
Schedule An Appointment Today!
This blog was written by Kurt Grosse with Realty One Group in Las Vegas. Kurt is a 25+ year Las Vegas Realtor and a former Nevada Building Engineer.
He protects his clients and their investments with his skills and knowledge. With how quickly homes are built in Southern Nevada, his services are invaluable. Schedule your housing consultation today at 702-750-7599.
