Citizens group planning war on turf to save water

Thursday, June 11, 1998 | 11:02 a.m.

Another turf war is about to be waged in Southern Nevada, the third in the past four years.

But these battles are over water, not territory.

Southern Nevada Coalition 2000, a water-conservation organization created in 1995, announced Wednesday it will take a campaign to limit the size of lawns to Clark County commissioners next week.

"Judicious water use is essential to maintaining our quality of life," coalition Chairman William Martin said.

Turf limits ordinances have failed on at least two other occasions when considered by the board of commissioners.

"The first time it failed because of its complexity," Martin Said. "The second time it failed because it just didn't have the political momentum."

And, he said, there was some opposition to the ordinance.

Martin believes the time is right to try again.

"This time," he said, "instead of an ordinance proposed by politicians, a citizen's group has stepped forward and said it is the right thing for the community."

Lobbying of politicians will begin next week, Martin said.

The proposed turf limitation ordinance would:

-- Allow only 50 percent of the front yard of new residences to be grass. There is no limitation on back yards.

-- Limit public facilities to having only 25 percent of its total landscapable area to be grass. Exceptions include schools, parks and cemeteries.

-- Limit golf courses to having an average of 5 acres of grass per hole.

-- Not permitting grass to abut the front sidewalk or street.

Martin said the proposal is not retroactive and would only affect new construction.

According to a study by the Las Vegas Valley Water District, under the proposed limitations a 6,000 square foot lot would save 35,000 gallons of water per year.

"We know of no opposition to the ordinance," Martin said.

He said the Las Vegas city council considered a similar ordinance at its Monday meeting, but it was sent to another committee for further study.

"We believe a turf limitation ordinance represents a painless and logical conservation method because its effect on all involved parties is negligible," Martin said.