Environment

Las Vegas Wash Upper Diversion Weir
SNWA supports many environmental projects such as the construction of this Las Vegas Wash weir, which helps control the flow of the Wash and protect the surrounding area from erosion.

As part of its mission to manage regional water resources, the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) is very active in protecting the environment. In addition to complying with federal and state environmental requirements, SNWA participates in a number of activities and programs related to endangered species, environmental policy, climate change and more.

Endangered species

The Water Authority monitors and conducts in-depth studies on several federally-endangered species, including the Moapa dace, razorback sucker, southwestern willow flycatcher, Yuma clapper rail and others found in Southern Nevada.

Habitat preservation

In 2007, SNWA purchased the 1,218-acre Warm Springs Natural Area, near the Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge, in an effort to both protect the headwaters of the Muddy River and the habitat of the endangered Moapa dace. Future plans for the Warm Springs Natural Area include research and preservation.

Policy issues

SNWA also participates in numerous programs and coalitions to help address issues affecting the environment including:

  • Lake Mead Water Quality Forum
  • Las Vegas Wash Coordination Committee
  • Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program
  • Muddy River Recovery Implementation Program
  • Virgin River Fishes Recovery Team
  • Virgin River Habitat Conservation Recovery Program
  • Western Urban Water Coalition

Other projects

Through staff time, grants and other considerations, SNWA has invested more than $10 million into programs and activities directly related to environmental protection. Among these efforts are:

  • The development of renewable energy projects to help meet the region's growing needs.
  • The creation of the Water Utility Climate Alliance (WUCA) along with seven of the nation's largest water agencies. The alliance works to improve research into the impacts of climate change and develops strategies to reduce the utilities' greenhouse gas emissions.
  • A partnership with the GreenScapes Alliance, a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) program dedicated to the reduction, reuse and recycling of waste and resources in the land management industry.
  • Participation in the Corporate Partners Program of the Donald Bren School of Environmental Science and Management at the University of California, Santa Barbara. The program connects the school with local and national corporations and organizations sharing its commitment to sustainability, research and educational programs.
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