Water Waste Investigators Crack Down on Las Vegas Residents to Conserve Dwindling Colorado River Water

In the bustling desert metropolis of Las Vegas, a team of dedicated investigators are on a daily mission to combat water waste. Known as water waste investigators, these professionals work tirelessly for the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA), an alliance of several local water districts in southern Nevada.

On a typical July morning, Water Waste Investigator Devyn Choltko spots water flowing onto the street in a neighborhood. She records the incident, noting misaligned sprinklers and over-irrigation leading to runoff. This type of violation, known as “spray and flow,” is among the most common issues they encounter.

Choltko marks the property with a yellow flag, noting the date, time, and alleged violation. This serves as notice to the resident that water is being wasted. The investigators can only leave the yellow flag if they have actually witnessed the violation.

Many residents are unaware of their watering issues due to scheduled irrigation systems. Watering occurs early in the morning and late at night, so most people don’t see the water running. Repeat offenders may face a fine, starting at $80 that can double if ignored.

Some homeowners may have issues they aren’t aware of, such as faulty or worn-out tubes in drip irrigation systems used for desert landscaping. These malfunctions can cause significant water waste.

The SNWA offers assistance to low-income homeowners who cannot afford repairs and provides help in detecting leaks. If a malfunction is found, the water authority follows up with a phone call to ensure the issue is addressed.

The water patrol initiative was introduced by the SNWA in response to a prolonged drought that gripped the Colorado River Basin over two decades ago. At that time, about 20% of residents received citations resulting in fines. Today, that number has dropped significantly, with fewer than 10% of property owners receiving fees for water waste violations.

The goal is to educate people about the importance of water conservation and encourage behavioral changes, from taking shorter showers to reusing water for plants or cleaning. Over the recent years, the SNWA has collected over $1-$1.5 million in water waste violations, using these funds to support conservation programs such as incentives for turf removal and rebates for smart irrigation systems.

These efforts are vital given that much of the southwestern U.S., including southern Nevada where Las Vegas is located, is currently experiencing severe drought. The ongoing dry conditions are a concern for millions of people who depend on the Colorado River for water. Receding “bathtub rings” etched into Lake Mead, one of the country’s largest reservoirs, serve as stark reminders of the water once available.

The Southern Nevada Water Authority has implemented various water conservation measures, from banning decorative grass to limiting pool sizes in new communities and banning industrial and commercial businesses from using evaporative coolers. The authority also recycles water, treating it and putting it back into use. In 2024, they returned over 245,000 acre-feet of water to Lake Mead.

These conservation efforts are proving effective. Despite a population growth of over 800,000 people since 2002 and over 40 million visitors during the same period, Las Vegas has reduced its consumption of Colorado River water by more than 30% over the past two decades. Other cities, including Phoenix, San Antonio, San Diego, and the Miami-Dade area, are also taking water conservation efforts to higher levels.

As communities adapt to climate change which intensifies drought and strains water supplies, water conservation will become increasingly important, according to the nonprofit Alliance for Water Efficiency. “In order for us to sustain a dependable, affordable water supply, we will need to continue to lean more heavily into these water-saving strategies,” says Ron Burke, the CEO and president of the alliance.

Low levels at Lake Mead and Lake Powell are expected to continue, according to the latest data released by the Bureau of Reclamation. The Department of the Interior’s Acting Assistant Secretary for Water and Science, Scott Cameron, said in a news release: “forward-thinking solutions” that prioritize conservation will be increasingly important.

As for water waste investigator Devyn Choltko, she has been working in the conservation field for six years. Growing up in southern Nevada, she feels her efforts are making a difference in her community and ensuring the region remains a beautiful place to call home for future generations.