Nuisance Water

Nuisance water is just that: water on your property where and when you don't want it there. Nuisance water includes:

• Standing water in shallow puddles
• Wet areas that don't dry up
• Water that seeps into shallow excavations or basements

Where does nuisance water come from?

• Overwatering a landscape is the most common cause of nuisance water
• Springs or marshy areas not properly drained before construction
• Natural shallow groundwater
• Leaking pools or underground pipes
• Runoff that accumulates from rainfall
• A combination of these conditions

Identify the source

Check your irrigation system and sprinkler clock to ensure you aren´t overwatering in certain areas. You may want to ask your neighbors to do the same.

Contact your local water utility

If you suspect a leaking underground pipe, your water provider has experts who can check for leaks and suggest solutions. Contact one of the appropriate SNWA agencies.

Contact additional experts

If overwatering or leaks aren't the problem, your local public works department or a consulting geotechnical engineer may be able to help you get to the source of the nuisance water.

Provide drainage

You may need to construct a drain from the nuisance water area to a storm sewer or other appropriate receptacle. Check with local authorities for permit requirements prior to construction and always "call before you dig" at 800-227-2600.

Consider a well

In some cases, well construction and pumping may be necessary to lower the groundwater
table on your property where shallow groundwater is a problem. For specific well requirements, contact the Nevada Division of Water Resources at 486-2770.