In this issue...

• Well users offered incentives to become more water-smart
• Advisory committee members sought
• Lawsuit ruling requires Water Authority to release well user information
• Well plugging program saves well users thousands
• Annual billing reminder
• Health District tests northwest wells
• Did you know?

Well users offered incentive to become more water-smart
It’s time to get water-smart: Well users may now participate in the same Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) conservation incentive programs already offered to municipal water customers, thanks to a recent recommendation from the Advisory Committee for Groundwater Management. Well users may take advantage of the SNWA’s Water Smart Landscapes, Irrigation Clock and Sensible Suds rebate programs. The funds for the well-user conservation programs come directly from the annual groundwater management fee that all well users pay. Descriptions of each program are provided below:

Water Smart Landscapes Rebate Program
Most residential water use occurs outdoors. In fact, during summer months, outdoor water use can account for as much as 90 percent of a household’s total consumption. Residential property owners can earn a rebate of $.40 per square foot when they upgrade some or all of their water-thirsty grass to xeriscape, a lush yet water-efficient landscape. At least 400 square feet of grass must be replaced. SNWA provides a credit of up to $50,000 for residential conversions.

Irrigation Clock Rebate Program
Your sprinkler clock controls your water use, so it makes sense to have a clock that maximizes efficiency—and saves you money. If your current sprinkler clock has only one programming function or lacks the flexibility to water in one-minute increments, it’s time for a change. Well users may be eligible for a rebate when they replace their old clock with a more water-efficient, multi-program model that allows landscape areas to be watered separately based on specific plant needs. The SNWA will provide up to $45 for a 6- to 8-program clock and up to $55 for a 9- to 12-station clock.

Sensible Suds Rebate Program
Well users can earn up to a $75 rebate when they purchase a high-efficiency washing machine from the SNWA’s qualifying product list. These models can save their owners up to 40 percent on water usage and up to 50 percent on energy usage over conventional models. High-efficiency washers also use less detergent and are gentler on clothes.

There are specific requirements to qualify for each of these programs. To learn more, please call the Conservation Helpline at 258-SAVE.

• Two domestic well representatives
• One quasi-municipal (or community) well representative
• One commercial/industrial well representative

If you are interested in serving on the committee, please send a letter of interest to:

Southern Nevada Water Authority
Attn: Management Services, Mail stop 460
1001 S. Valley View Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89153

In your letter, please indicate your name, address and phone number, as well as the type of well you have and any specific qualifications that could benefit the Advisory Committee. Your letter must be postmarked by September 20, 2002 to be considered. The SNWA Board will make its appointments before the end of the year. Current committee members are also eligible for appointment.

To learn about upcoming Advisory Committee activities, please call the Groundwater Information Line at 258-7288.

Well plugging program saves well users thousands
As part of the Groundwater Management Program (GMP), the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) and Nevada Division of Water Resources (NDWR) have contracted a licensed, bonded and fully insured drilling company to properly plug wells no longer used to supply water.

The free service can save well users anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 to plug unused or unwanted wells. Specific criteria will be used to determine a well user’s eligibility for a plugging and abandonment grant. Wells no longer used to supply water must be plugged and abandoned according to Nevada State Law. This statute is in place to protect the Las Vegas Valley’s groundwater supply: Hundreds of unused and abandoned wells throughout the valley remain tapped into the valley’s groundwater aquifer, posing a potential risk to groundwater quality for all well users.

Dozens of valley residents have taken advantage of the program, including former well user Bob Breit.

“This is just a really good program if you decide to plug your well,” said Breit. “I would definitely recommend it for people trying to save money and for the good of the entire valley.”

Typical well abandonment requires removal of any pumping equipment in the well, removal of well casing or perforating of well casing in place and filling the well with concrete grout. Additional work covered under the program includes removal of the concrete pad surrounding the well (if applicable), cutting off the well casing (5 feet below land surface) and back-filling the hole.

The program also covers costs associated with the disposal of equipment removed from the well, including pump columns, pumps, wire, casing and concrete from the well pad. If necessary, above-ground equipment is moved to allow access to the well—including pressure tanks, storage tanks, electrical boxes, wire and pumps. Equipment is left onsite when the job is complete.

The plugging procedures take three to five days, on average. The SNWA and NDWR will have inspectors onsite to ensure the work is conducted professionally, safely and according to Nevada State Law.

For more information, call 258-7288.