Water Smarts podcast
From the banks of the Colorado River and Lake Mead to the homes and businesses of Southern Nevada, the Water Smarts podcast covers how we treat, deliver, use, protect and conserve water in the Las Vegas Valley.
Hosts Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke — along with experts from the Southern Nevada Water Authority who keep the water flowing — hope to make you a little smarter about the one thing that keeps us all connected — water.
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LATEST EPISODE - On the Colorado: SNWA's John Entsminger talks about ongoing collaboration between Colorado River water users and Southern Nevada's water future
Episode 66 - Oct. 8, 2025
Southern Nevada relies on the Colorado River for 90 percent of its water supply, yet we receive the smallest share of the river. SNWA General Manager John Entsminger shares why ongoing collaboration between Colorado River water users is imperative to respond to climate change and aridification. John also talks about why Southern Nevada is one of the most water secure Colorado River Basin states, what future water sources the agency is considering, and how the community has helped protect its water supply.
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More episodes
North Las Vegas works to protect community from rising temperatures
Episode 65 - Sept. 16, 2025
Southern Nevada is one of the fastest warming regions in the United States and rising temperatures are straining our urban forest. The City of North Las Vegas (NLV) is working to protect its residents from increased temperatures, which are expected to rise as much as 9 degrees by mid Century. NLV Municipal Forester Eddie Rodriguez shares how the city is adapting and preparing for a warmer future and shares how residents can take action as well on the Water Smarts Podcast.
Listen to Episode 65National Treasure: Henderson parks are nationally-recognized AND water smart
Episode 64 - Sept. 2, 2025
The City of Henderson boasts some of the best parks in the nation, but the city isn't sitting on its laurels. Henderson is ensuring its parks remain beautiful, but also water smart. Henderson's Municipal Forester Preston Goodman talks trees, athletic fields, and plans for a shade-filled future on this episode of the Water Smarts Podcast.
Listen to Episode 64LAKE LIFE: Limnologists study Lake Mead to protect our drinking water
Episode 63 - June 11, 2025
Runoff in the Colorado River is expected to be 55 percent of normal this year which means Lake Mead water levels will drop. Lake levels and inflows to the lake can impact our drinking water supply. Limnologists Todd Tietjen and Deena Hannoun share how their research helps protect our drinking water, and how their studies help other Colorado River Basin water agencies.
Listen to Episode 63INDUSTRY-CHANGING RESEARCH: SNWA water quality lab celebrates 25 years
Episode 62 - May 21, 2025
SNWA researchers have been at the forefront of emerging water issues for the past 25 years, and their discoveries have helped protect Southern Nevada's drinking water supply. SNWA scientists have helped stop quagga mussel infestations from blocking water intake pipes and helped implement ozonation to the water treatment process. Eric Wert, Water Quality Research & Development Manager, talks about the emerging issues the lab currently is tracking and what might be the next generation of water treatment.
Listen to Episode 62FLEXING THEIR WATER SMARTS: Teens in Youth Council are the GOATs of H2O conservation in Southern Nevada
Episode 61 - April 10, 2025
The SNWA Youth Conservation Council (YCC) is hosting the Earth Day Celebration at the Springs Preserve on April 19. YCC members share details about the event's super cool activities and the new children's book they've created. They also discuss why they’re passionate about water conservation.
Listen to Episode 61NEVER ON EMPTY: Infrastructure investments ensure access to our water supply
Episode 60 - March 31, 2025
It takes a lot of engineering and expertise to deliver water throughout the Las Vegas Valley. Buck Osborne, Operations Director for SNWA, talks about how our water system is designed and maintained to ensure access to our water supply, even during emergencies and natural disasters. Buck shares how SNWA's investment in our water infrastructure ensures a secure, reliable water supply.
Listen to Episode 60JENGA IN THE WILD: Rewilding endangered species supports historic ecosystem
Episode 59 - Feb. 13, 2025
When Las Vegas Valley artesian springs ran dry decades ago, several species disappeared from the landscape. Rewilding projects at the Springs Preserve have helped rebuild the native habitat and protect endangered species like the Pahrump Poolfish, Relict Leopard Frog and Desert Tortoise. Dr. Ray Saumure, SNWA Senior Environmental Biologist, talks about the challenges of repopulating endangered species and how the discovery that the tiny frogs are cannibalistic may help ensure a sustainable population.
Listen to Episode 59THIRST QUENCHERS: Nevada's nonfunctional grass law and alternative grasses help protect community's water supply
Episode 58 - Dec. 31, 2024
AB356—the Nevada law that prohibits use of Colorado River water to irrigate nonfunctional turf—takes effect Jan. 1, 2027. Mike Bernardo, SNWA Enterprise Conservation Manager, talks about the law and how SNWA can help property owners prepare. Mike also addresses community concerns about replacing grass with drip-irrigated plants and trees, and how new alternative grasses can be a water-smart option for thirsty lawns.
Listen to Episode 58ALWAYS ON TAP: Pipes and pumps keep the water flowing in Las Vegas
Episode 57 - Dec. 5, 2024
Why doesn't Las Vegas need water towers like in the Midwest? How is SNWA protecting the community's water supply from the impacts of drought? How can homeowners get help paying to find and fix water leaks? Doa Ross, SNWA Deputy General Manager of Engineering, answers these questions and more.
Listen to Episode 57WHAT LIES BENEATH: Southern Nevada groundwater is a hidden resource for the community
Episode 56 - Oct. 8, 2024
Las Vegas owes its very existence to groundwater. Native peoples relied on natural springs that bubbled to the surface; early settlers farmed using water from the springs and groundwater aquifer; and Las Vegas became a townsite because the railroad needed a stop where it could refill its steam locomotive water tanks. The Las Vegas Springs stopped flowing in 1962, but Southern Nevada still relies on the groundwater aquifer for 10 percent of its water supply. Learn more about groundwater and how the Southern Nevada Water Authority helps protect the aquifer.
Listen to Episode 56