Editorial: County has chance to become water-wise

Monday, Oct. 6, 2003 | 8:34 a.m.

At its meeting Tuesday the County Commission will have a chance to show that it supports the spirit of the Southern Nevada Water Authority's drought plan. It will consider an ordinance clarifying the use of large commercial water features. The ordinance will make it clear that only those water features associated with resort hotels are exempt from the drought plan. Any other business wanting to operate a water feature will have to apply for a special use permit. The city of Las Vegas is considering a similar ordinance and we hope they both pass. The large water features on the Strip are good for the economy of the whole Las Vegas Valley, but the same cannot be said for the water features at smaller businesses such as office parks.

Also, the County Commission will consider a five-year, $5.5 million plan to reduce water consumption in public parks by 25 percent. The plan calls for a combination of desert landscaping and artificial turf. The plan would do more than save water -- by year five the county would be saving $433,000 on its water bill. Today's artificial turf -- vastly improved since its introduction decades ago -- supports all of the activity that grass does, with no sprinkling required. The initial cost of the plan, in our view, is well worth the long-term benefit.