New water rate structure takes effect Jan. 1

To further support water conservation in response to federally mandated water supply reductions, the Las Vegas Valley Water District (LVVWD) is implementing a revised water rate structure for all residential customers and Excessive Use Charge for the valley’s largest residential water users that will take effect Jan. 1.

The revised water rate structure will equalize residential water usage tiers, ensuring that all customers are billed the same amount for the water they use, regardless of meter size. Customers with 3/4” to 2” meter sizes or high-water users will see the most significant change in monthly billing. The more you use, the more it will cost. Reducing outdoor water use is the best way to adapt to these changes and manage your water bill.

Additionally, an Excessive Use Charge will be assessed for the top 10 percent of residential water users who use more than 30 percent of all water-delivered homes. Water use that exceeds the Excessive Use Thresholds listed below will be charged an additional $9 per 1,000 gallons. The thresholds align with the seasonal watering restrictions and are as follows:

·        Winter (Nov. 1): 14,000 gallons per month

·        Spring (March 1): 16,000 gallons per month

·        Summer (May 1): 28,000 gallons per month

·        Fall (Sept. 1): 26,000 gallons per month

These changes are expected to save more than 1 billion gallons per year. To help customers understand how these changes may impact monthly water bills, a water rate estimator and additional information are available at lvvwd.com.

Winter watering restrictions are in effect through February

As winter makes its way into Southern Nevada, change your watering clock now to water only on your 1 assigned day per week in accordance with the community’s mandatory seasonal watering schedule, in effect from Nov. 1 through Feb. 28. It’s one of the best ways to conserve water in Southern Nevada and it’s the law!

Winter restrictions limit spray and drip irrigation to one day per week based on your property’s address; find your assigned watering day at snwa.com. Sunday watering is prohibited year-round. Watering on days other than your assigned watering is considered water waste and may result in costly water-waste fees ranging from $80 to as much as $5,000 for repeat violations. 

Following with the winter restrictions takes on added importance this year as a Tier 2 shortage declaration on the Colorado River will reduce the amount of water Southern Nevada can draw from Lake Mead by more than 8 billion gallons beginning Jan. 1. Find more conservation tips at snwa.com.