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"Watering Restrictions in Vegas: Conserving Water in the Desert"
- 2024/10/31
- 再生時間： 2 分
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サマリー
あらすじ・解説
As Halloween dawns on Las Vegas, the city is facing a treat that's more trick than delight: stringent water restrictions. Starting this Friday, valley residents will be limited to watering their landscapes and trees just one day a week, a measure aimed at conserving the precious resource in the arid desert city.
The new rules are part of the winter watering restrictions that kick in as the 2025 Water Year begins. Residents are advised not to water more than 12 minutes total on their assigned day, and these restrictions also apply to drip irrigation systems.
The backdrop for these restrictions is the ongoing water shortage in Southern Nevada. Lake Mead, the primary water source for Las Vegas, remains at a steady but concerning 33% capacity, sitting at about 1,064 feet. Although this is only 3 feet lower than last year, it's a significant 20 feet higher than the critically low levels of 2022.
Conservation is at the forefront of the Southern Nevada Water Authority's strategy. With the current operating guidelines for the Colorado River set to expire in 2026, the seven states that share the river are collaborating on new guidelines. These plans, which will determine water allocations and shortages based on Lake Mead and Lake Powell levels, are expected to be released in the coming months following the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process.
Looking ahead, the winter months are forecasted to be warmer and drier due to a La Niña climate pattern. This pattern, similar to past decades, is expected to bring warmer and drier conditions to the Colorado River basin, emphasizing the need for continued water conservation efforts across the region.
For now, Las Vegas residents must adapt to the new watering schedule and other conservation measures to ensure the city's water supply remains stable. As the city navigates these challenges, it's clear that every drop counts in the desert.
The new rules are part of the winter watering restrictions that kick in as the 2025 Water Year begins. Residents are advised not to water more than 12 minutes total on their assigned day, and these restrictions also apply to drip irrigation systems.
The backdrop for these restrictions is the ongoing water shortage in Southern Nevada. Lake Mead, the primary water source for Las Vegas, remains at a steady but concerning 33% capacity, sitting at about 1,064 feet. Although this is only 3 feet lower than last year, it's a significant 20 feet higher than the critically low levels of 2022.
Conservation is at the forefront of the Southern Nevada Water Authority's strategy. With the current operating guidelines for the Colorado River set to expire in 2026, the seven states that share the river are collaborating on new guidelines. These plans, which will determine water allocations and shortages based on Lake Mead and Lake Powell levels, are expected to be released in the coming months following the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process.
Looking ahead, the winter months are forecasted to be warmer and drier due to a La Niña climate pattern. This pattern, similar to past decades, is expected to bring warmer and drier conditions to the Colorado River basin, emphasizing the need for continued water conservation efforts across the region.
For now, Las Vegas residents must adapt to the new watering schedule and other conservation measures to ensure the city's water supply remains stable. As the city navigates these challenges, it's clear that every drop counts in the desert.