Southern Nevada Water Authority

Spring’s arrival in Southern Nevada signals the start of a new watering season, but warmer weather doesn’t mean your landscape needs maximum water right away.

In effect from March 1 through April 30, the community’s mandatory seasonal watering restrictions limit watering grass with spray irrigation to up to three assigned days per week, for 12 minutes each day, ideally divided into three cycles of four minutes each set one hour apart. And remember, sprinkler watering is prohibited on Sunday.

Drip irrigated plants and trees need much less water and should generally be watered no more than two days per week during spring; consider slowly ramping up your watering schedule as temperatures rise and plants show signs of need. Find your assigned watering days at snwa.com.

Watering outside of your assigned schedule or allowing water to spray or run off onto sidewalks or streets can result in water waste fines. To avoid potential water-waste fees, turn your system off on windy and rainy days and inspect it regularly for leaks.

You also can save water and money by replacing thirsty grass with drip irrigated landscaping through the Southern Nevada Water Authority’s Water Smart Landscapes Rebate Program (WSL). Qualifying single-family property owners can earn a cash incentive of $5 for each square foot of grass upgraded to water-efficient plants and trees up to the first 10,000 square feet converted and $2.50 per square foot thereafter.

WSL participants may also qualify for the Tree Enhancement Program, which provides a $100 bonus for each new tree installed. Additional cash rebates may be available through your local water provider, so be sure to check with them for any supplemental incentives.

Outdoor water use in Southern Nevada makes up about 60 percent of all residential water use, and nearly all water waste occurs outdoors. Unlike indoor water, water used outdoors is not reclaimed and returned to Lake Mead, making efficient landscape watering especially important.

By following the seasonal watering restrictions and choosing water efficient landscapes, you can play an important role in conserving Southern Nevada’s most valuable resource.

For more landscape watering tips, seasonal watering schedules, and WSL rebate information, visit snwa.com.