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Wednesday, April 14, 2010 | 2 a.m.
Sun Coverage
Hi Mr. Sun,
How much water evaporates during each Bellagio fountain show? How many gallons evaporate during hot summer days?
— Alexander
•••
The fountains dancing above Las Vegas’ version of Lake Como consume about 12 million gallons of water a year, according to resort officials.
The Bellagio’s 8.5-acre lake holds 22 million gallons and is replenished annually with another 12 million, representing the amount lost to evaporation, leaky pipes or really thirsty ducks.
Assuming evaporation is responsible for that entire amount, that would break down to 1,200 gallons lost in each of the roughly 10,000-plus fountain shows performed throughout the year.
The amount lost, of course, would vary depending on temperatures and wind speeds. (Mr. Sun was told there would be no math on this exam and therefore did not attempt to calculate that.)
It’s worth noting though that the lake is equipped with sensors that shut off the fountains when winds would blow water beyond its borders.
The fountains are always Exhibit A for critics of the metropolitan area’s water use and the equity of conservation requirements. While there are legitimate questions about the logic of building a city of 2 million souls in North America’s driest desert, singling out the fountains as representative of the region’s water problems isn’t entirely fair.
The Bellagio uses water from a private well beneath the property — the water source for the old Dunes golf course — and thus does not further strain the Colorado River, the primary source of water for the Las Vegas Valley.
Still, no matter how many green lawns are replaced with rock or how far water here is stretched and recycled, the sight of those fountains seems to overshadow it. That is probably inevitable when a desert resort brags about operating “the most ambitious, choreographically complex water feature ever conceived.”
Questions for Mr. Sun can be sent to page8@lasvegassun.com.
Better Question, how much water is wasted on golf courses in the valley each year? Or, how much water is wasted watering dirt to keep dust down? What's worse some dust in the air or no water?
Do some research do not just state an opinion to promote your agenda... Vegas is full of private wells, Mr, Sun How many?... I have one, so that is one...
Whether from private wells or municipal sources, it's all part of the total water available for use in the driest area of America. So, in theory, I can't get behind the squandering of it by anyone.
Having said that, I do suspect that the fountains use much less water than the old Dunes golf course used. Perhaps someone on the LVSUN's staff could research it and let us know.
I visited your wonderful city in September 2009 & loved everything about Vegas. My 5 year old loved the "dancing water" as she called it. Vegas is over the top & you are happy to fly all the way from Australia to just go wow!!! I can't wait to go back next year & my daughter keeps telling friends how much fun Vegas is & keeps asking when are we going back.
The fountains are unfairly singled out.
The fountains entertain millions of people every year, myself included. It is my favorite place on the strip to take guests. I'm much more offended by Lake Las Vegas, which wastes millions of gallons to support a ghost town and a few rich people.
I personally know at least three seperate people (one couple, one single) who went to Vegas JUST to see those fountains. So shut it down, and every other attraction there that wastes resources, and see where that gets you. LV is possibly the most frivolous, wasteful city on Earth right now. But at this point, you gotta dance with the one that brung ya. If you start trying to act responsibly now you may as well shut the city down and ship everyone off to the fertile midwest.
I think the original presentation in Wynn's plans for the Bellagio lake as a water sports venue with little peddle boats, sailboats, water skiing etc. was the better use of it, however the usual corporate fear of lawsuits and astronomical insurance costs killed it..
Raise the water rates and let those that pay it play it.
How much water evaporates from "Lake Las Vegas"? How much water evaporates from "Lake Las Vegas"? How much water evaporates from "Lake Las Vegas"? How much water evaporates from "Lake Las Vegas"?.......................How much water evaporates from "Lake Las Vegas"?....................................................
People would rather come to Las Vegas to enjoy the water fountains, sit by the pool, enjoy their drinks, and stay cool and not gamble?
Las Vegas has always been a desert city and will be in perpetuity. It is not wise to have the water evaporate when there is a well known water shortage in the city. This type of water use does not justify the export of water from Northern Nevada by SNWA.
The best, fastest answer I found to the question about Lake Las Vegas is 684,288,000 gallons/year
..shut off Vegas water fountain(s)? What next, the neons? Las Vegas is Las Vegas! Stop the Taliban way to "enjoy" life.
Answer = to much
Do we know if the private wells are pumped from a separate groundwater or aquifer source? Or is it a part of a larger groundwater and aquifer system? If they are pumping from a isolated groundwater or aquifer, why aren't the private water owners working with SNWA to provide water to the area?
I've read in the past that the Bellagio uses "greywater" (recycled water) in their fountains. And other sites state that is false. So which is it? Greywater and a well? Or well-water only?
http://www.vegastodayandtomorrow.com/tid...
http://kathika.com/bellagio-fountain/