GENERAL MANAGER WATER – LET'S CONSERVE OUR MOST PRECIOUS RESOURCE

Hello Residents,

It's summertime in the desert which brings to mind the importance of water I w a n t t o s h a r e w i t h y o u o u r w a t e r conservation efforts in the community a n d s u g g e s t i o n s f r o m t h e S o u t h e r n Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) on some simple things you can do to help conserve water.

According to SNWA, the Colorado River and its reserves, which bring water to some 40 million people and crops across s e v e n s t a t e s , i n c l u d i n g N e v a d a , a r e shrinking due to drought, climate change and overuse.

Last year, as climate change-fueled drought continued to grip the Colorado River, including Lake Mead—the source of 90 percent of Southern Nevada's supply—local HOAs, businesses and residents were asked to step up their commitment to conserve water, and they did it in a big way

I am proud to say our Board of Directors met the challenge head on and approved a major landscape conversion project to remove nonfunctional grass in the community's common areas and replace it with attractive desert landscaping.

We will realize many benefits from the conversion project. Our HOA received a rebate of $35,816 from the Southern Nevada Water Authority. Also, we will experience water savings of approximately $6,500 annually

Fortunately, Nevada is not currently using its full Colorado River allocation, and near-term shortage declarations will not likely impact current customer use. Nevertheless, we all have to continue to reduce water consumption. Here are some great tips from the SNWA. Check out their website for more details at www.snwa.com.

What You Can Do To Conserve Water

• Because about 60 percent of all water consumed in Southern Nevada is used for residential landscape irrigation, reducing outdoor water use by following the mandatory seasonal restrictions is the easiest way to reduce water consumption.

• Take advantage of the cash rebate program SNWA offers on the purchase of smart irrigation controllers, which use sensors and water data to automatically adjust your irrigation system.

• Save an average of more than $300 per year by simply changing your watering clock only four times a year.

• Replace nonfunctional grass with drip-irrigated trees and plants though SNWA's Water Smart Landscapes (WSL) program. Find information on the SNWA website about desertscape plants, WSL contractors, sample desert landscape designs, and even WSL classes.

• Preventing water waste also contributes to reduced water consumption; you can help by inspecting your irrigation system monthly, repairing any leaks, fixing misaligned or damaged sprinkler heads, and not allowing water to flow off your property

• Vi s i t t h e L a s Ve g a s Va l l e y Wa t e r D i s t r i c t w e b s i t e a t www.lvvwd.com to sign up for automated texts or phone calls that will alert you if you have unusually high water usage.

• Convert your thirsty grass to water-efficient landscaping through the SNWA WSL Rebate Program. Through WSL, property owners can receive a cash incentive of up to $3 for each square foot of grass upgraded to drip-irrigated plants and trees, which uses 55 gallons of water less per square foot annually than thirsty, nonfunctional grass

These are just a few of the water-savings tips from SNWA. Visit the website at www.snwa.com for more details.

Also, I encourage you to mark your calendar for two seminar presentations coming up next month which will be conducted by w a t e r e x p e r t s J o i n To b y B i c k m o r e , C o n s e r v a t i o n S e r v i c e s Administrator of the Southern Nevada Water Authority, on September 11 to learn about the Water Smart Landscapes turf conversion program, coupon programs for smart irrigation controllers, leak detection devices, and the WSL Plumber program. Later that week, on September 15, Amanda Dillard from the North Las Vegas Water Authority will offer a local perspective on water conservation.

Finally, please join us on Wednesday, September 6 at 10 a.m. for Coffee with the Board in the Vista Room. This is a great way to meet your Board of Directors on an informal basis.

Wishing you an enjoyable August.

Damian Carrasco General Manager, Sun City Aliante

Board Member message - continued from page 6

The NLVPD Community Engagement Division conducts Security Surveys for residential homes free of charge. Call 702-633-1808 for information and to set up an appointment.

The most important thing you can do is call the police to report a crime or suspicious activity The three L's of crime prevention are: Lights, Locks and the Law. Light up your residence, Lock your doors at all time and call the Law when you see something suspicious.

Respectfully submitted,

Ed Ernest Director, Sun City Aliante Board of Directors