Shows / Water Smarts Podcast

Water Smarts Podcast
From the banks of the Colorado River and Lake Mead to the homes and businesses of Southern Nevada, the Water Smarts podcast covers how we treat, deliver, use, protect and conserve water in the Las Vegas Valley. Hosts Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke – along with experts from the Southern Nevada Water Authority who keep the water flowing – hope to make you a little smarter about the one thing that keeps us all connected – water.
Episodes
Water Smarts PodcastCOMMUNITY CONSERVATION: More than a drop in the bucket
As historic drought continues to grip the Colorado River Basin, Southern Nevada has emerged as a national leader in water conservation. On this episode, SNWA’s…
Water Smarts PodcastBEYOND THE TAP: How SNWA protects your drinking water
Safe drinking water doesn't happen by accident. In this episode of the Water Smarts Podcast, Carolyn Faircloth, SNWA Water Quality Laboratory Manager…
Water Smarts PodcastDATA CENTERS, DEVELOPMENT & DROUGHT: Building a water-smart Southern Nevada
How much water are data centers and other businesses using in Southern Nevada? SNWA Enterprise Conservation Manager Mike Bernardo shares the facts about data…
Water Smarts PodcastWATER SOMMELIERS: SNWA panel uses taste, aroma to help track water quality
What does it take to be a water sommelier? In this episode of the Water Smarts Podcast, hosts Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke go behind the scenes at SNWA’s…
Water Smarts PodcastWATER WARRIORS: Las Vegas businesses are doing more with less
Las Vegas may be known for entertainment, but it’s also respected as a leader in water conservation. While the region continues to grow, Southern Nevada is…
Water Smarts PodcastSPECIAL: City Cast Las Vegas interview with SNWA’s John Entsminger
Recently, federal water regulators took an emergency step that would divert huge amounts of water to Lake Powell. The move will preserve the reservoir’s…
Water Smarts PodcastSPRING IS A BUZZIN’: Star Nursery’s Joey Lynn shares landscape tips for a happy, healthy yard
Spring has officially arrived, and desert landscapes are bursting back to life! In this episode of the Water Smarts Podcast, we’re joined by Star Nursery’s…
Water Smarts PodcastTAP THE TRUTH: Crystal and Bronson answer your questions about all things water in Southern Nevada
Ever wonder what resorts and businesses are doing to conserve water, or how Southern Nevada can continue to grow under drought conditions? Crystal and Bronson…
Water Smarts PodcastSPRUNG A LEAK? Get financial help finding and fixing leaks
Finding and fixing leaks can be challenging and expensive. The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) and Las Vegas Valley Water District (LVVWD) offer several…
Water Smarts PodcastSUSTAINABLE WATER RECYCLING: Don't be a pain in the drain
You probably never think about what happens when you flush the toilet, but a team of dedicated staff at the Clark County Water Reclamation District (CCWRD)…
Water Smarts PodcastON THE COLORADO: SNWA's John Entsminger talks about ongoing collaboration between Colorado River water users and Southern Nevada's water future
Southern Nevada relies on the Colorado River for 90 percent of its water supply, yet we receive the smallest share of the river. SNWA General Manager John…
Water Smarts PodcastNorth Las Vegas works to protect community from rising temperatures
Southern Nevada is one of the fastest warming regions in the United States and rising temperatures are straining our urban forest. The City of North Las Vegas…
Water Smarts PodcastNATIONAL TREASURE: Henderson parks are nationally-recognized AND water smart
The City of Henderson boasts some of the best parks in the nation, but the city isn’t sitting on its laurels. Henderson is ensuring its parks remain beautiful…
Water Smarts PodcastLAKE LIFE: Limnologists study Lake Mead to protect our drinking water
Runoff in the Colorado River is expected to be 55 percent of normal this year which means Lake Mead water levels will drop. Lake levels and inflows to the lake…
Water Smarts PodcastINDUSTRY-CHANGING RESEARCH: SNWA water quality lab celebrates 25 years
SNWA researchers have been at the forefront of emerging water issues for the past 25 years, and their discoveries have helped protect Southern Nevada’s…
Water Smarts PodcastFLEXING THEIR WATER SMARTS: Teens in Youth Council are the GOATs of H2O conservation in So. Nv.
The SNWA Youth Conservation Council (YCC) is hosting the Earth Day Celebration at the Springs Preserve on April 19. YCC members share details about the event’s…
Water Smarts PodcastNEVER ON EMPTY: Infrastructure investments ensure access to our water supply
It takes a lot of engineering and expertise to deliver water throughout the Las Vegas Valley. Buck Osborne, Operations Director for the Southern Nevada Water…
Water Smarts PodcastJENGA IN THE WILD: Rewilding endangered species supports historic ecosystem
When Las Vegas Valley artesian springs ran dry decades ago, several species disappeared from the landscape. Rewilding projects at the Springs Preserve have…
Water Smarts PodcastTHIRST QUENCHERS: Nevada's nonfunctional grass law and alternative grasses help protect community's water supply
AB356—the Nevada law that prohibits use of Colorado River water to irrigate nonfunctional turf—takes effect Jan. 1, 2027. Mike Bernardo, SNWA Enterprise…
Water Smarts PodcastALWAYS ON TAP: Pipes & pumps keep water flowing in Las Vegas
Why doesn’t Las Vegas need water towers like in the Midwest? How is SNWA protecting the community’s water supply from the impacts of drought? How can…
Water Smarts PodcastWHAT LIES BENEATH: Southern Nevada groundwater is a hidden resource for the community
Las Vegas owes its very existence to groundwater. Native peoples relied on natural springs that bubbled to the surface; early settlers farmed using water from…
Water Smarts PodcastIN SEASON: Star Nursery's tips for fall and winter
Relief from the scorching summer heat is nearing, and it’s time to prep your yard for fall and winter. Horticulturist and arborist Joey Lynn from Star Nursery…
Water Smarts PodcastSUSTAINABLE FOCUS: MGM Resorts invests to save water
Despite appearances, the Las Vegas Strip resorts only consume 6 percent of Southern Nevada’s water supply. MGM Resorts Vice President of Sustainability Michael…
Water Smarts PodcastLEAKS HAPPEN: Get help finding and fixing water leaks
Leaks are an expensive nuisance, increasing your water bill and costing hundreds if not thousands of dollars to repair. They also impact the community’s water…
Water Smarts PodcastSTRAIGHT FROM THE TAP: What's in your drinking water?
Ever wonder what's in your tap water? You can find test results of the drinking water supply in your water agency’s Water Quality Report, which is published…
Water Smarts PodcastTOILET OR TRASH? Why what you flush impacts our water cycle
Because Southern Nevada recycles 100% of the water it uses indoors, it’s important you know what you shouldn’t flush or put down the drain. Nearly all our…
Water Smarts PodcastCOOL TRENDS: How businesses can keep cool & stay water smart
In Southern Nevada, grass is the largest consumer of the community’s water supply. But, did you know that the evaporative cooling systems chilling large…
Water Smarts PodcastAB356: Time's running out to 86 nonfunctional grass by the end of '26
The clock is ticking! AB356, the state law prohibiting use of Colorado River water to irrigate nonfunctional turf, takes effect in less than three years…
Water Smarts PodcastREBATE RISING: Landscape rebate increased to $5 a sq ft for residential properties
It’s no secret the SNWA Water Smart Landscapes rebate helps property owners replace water-thirsty grass with drip-irrigated trees and plants. Now the cat’s out…
Water Smarts PodcastEMERGENCY RESPONSE: LVVWD responds to tropical storm damage in Kyle Canyon
When Tropical Storm Hilary hit the Mount Charleston area, the resulting flood wiped away roads, downed power lines and washed out water mains. Las Vegas Valley…
Water Smarts PodcastSURVIVING SHORTAGE: Southern Nevada relies on conservation, future water augmentation
As Southern Nevada enters its third year under federally-declared shortage conditions, the community is thriving and surviving despite the water cuts. Colby…
Water Smarts PodcastSPECIAL: "What About Water?" interview with SNWA's John Entsminger
John Entsminger, Southern Nevada Water Authority general manager, recently joined Jeff Szabo, the CEO of the Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA), for a…
Water Smarts PodcastSMART GROWTH: Water Investment Rating tool helps measure water, economic impact of new businesses
Business leaders and the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) have collaborated on a Water Investment Rating tool to evaluate new businesses looking to…
Water Smarts PodcastSHADY SMART: SNWA spreads shade with new tree bonus, urban forest initiative
The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) has two new initiatives to encourage more tree plantings and expand the community’s urban forest. Zane Marshall…
Water Smarts PodcastTECH TALK: Technology helps water utilities respond to challenges
From finding leaks in 6,500 miles of buried pipeline to managing the complexities of regulatory compliance, technology is helping agencies like the Southern…
Water Smarts PodcastREAL TIME RESULTS: LVVWD improves leak notifications to help customers quickly find & fix leaks
Leaks inside and outside your home can cause devastating damage and significantly increase your water bill. The Las Vegas Valley Water District (LVVWD) has…
Water Smarts PodcastWHAT'S IN YOUR TAP WATER?
As summer heats up, we all drink more water. You can find out what’s in your tap water by reviewing your water agency’s Water Quality Report. Carolyn…
Water Smarts PodcastH2O HEROES: the Power of Water Smart Plumbers
If you have a plumbing problem, do you know how to find a qualified professional to fix it? The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) takes the heavy lifting…
Water Smarts PodcastHenderson parks go water smart
City of Henderson (COH) is leading by example with its many water-saving projects. COH Municipal Forester Preston Goodman shares how replacing more than 2…
Water Smarts PodcastHOAs & AB356: what your HOA should do to comply with state law prohibiting decorative grass
There are more than 3,000 HOA communities in Southern Nevada, and all must be in compliance with a new Nevada law requiring decorative grass be replaced with…
Water Smarts PodcastSPEAKING FOR THE TREES: Star Nursery experts share tree tips for landscape upgrades
Trees are an important part of our community and urban environment, especially as we face a hotter, drier future in Southern Nevada. To protect our water…
Water Smarts PodcastAGGRESSIVE & PROGRESSIVE: New conservation measures to drive down water use
Necessity is the mother of invention, and a 20-year megadrought is the driving force behind several new aggressive water conservation measures in Southern…
Water Smarts PodcastWHAT'S YOUR GRASS WORTH? New water rates encourage high water users to cut back
As Southern Nevada faces the second year of water reductions due to a federally-declared shortage on the Colorado River, water agencies are implementing new…
Water Smarts PodcastWe don't need x-ray glasses to find problem spots
If you change the brake pads or tires on your vehicle before they fail, you’re practicing good “asset management.” The Southern Nevada Water Authority asset…
Water Smarts PodcastSPECIAL: City Cast Las Vegas Water Cop Ride Along
Water Smarts Podcast host Bronson Mack recently took City Cast Las Vegas host Dayvid Figler on a water waste ride along. The two talked turkey about how to…
Water Smarts PodcastTOP OF THE CLASS: Why the school district is leaning in strong on water conservation
The Clark County School District (CCSD) is leading the way with its water-smart projects, including converting 24 athletic fields to synthetic turf and…
Water Smarts PodcastTapping the truth on Colorado River shortage and its impacts to Nevada
How will additional water cuts under tier 2 shortage conditions impact Southern Nevada’s water supply next year? Why can’t we just cut off the water to other…
Water Smarts PodcastGET REAL: Campaigns that make you laugh, gasp and turn down your watering clock
From a well-placed kick by “Mrs. Nuttington” to the body-checks by former Vegas Golden Knights hockey player Ryan Reaves, the public outreach campaigns by the…
Water Smarts PodcastSPECIAL: Hey Hey Ho Ho, Your Ornamental Grass Has To Go
In this special Water Smarts Podcast, we feature an interview by Dayvid Figler of the City Cast Las Vegas Podcast with JC Davis, Enterprise Conservation…
Water Smarts PodcastEXECUTIVE ROUND TABLE: Colorado River shortages and impacts to Southern Nevada
A permanent aridification of the Colorado River due to climate change means those sharing the river also will have to share the pain of shortage reductions as…
Water Smarts PodcastHOT! HOT! HOT! Water-smart tips to help your landscape survive the summer
Lake Mead’s water levels are at historic lows and the Colorado River is suffering from a decades-long megadrought, resulting in federal shortage declarations…
Water Smarts PodcastYes, you can drink the tap water!
How do you know your tap water is safe to drink? Carolyn Faircloth, the Water Quality Laboratory Manager for the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA), shares…
Water Smarts PodcastAH HA! How the pandemic led to new insights for wastewater surveillance
Scientists have been using sewage to track COVID-19 in the community throughout the pandemic and even now as the virus enters the endemic stage. Using…
Water Smarts PodcastSPRING ALIVE! Garden and landscape tips from Star Nursery's Dr. Q and Joey Lynn Watt
Spring is the season for renewal the time when many of us get our hands dirty and spruce up our yards. We talk with Star Nursery experts Dr. Q and Joey Lynn…
Water Smarts PodcastSouthern Nevada is planning for a warmer, drier future
The permanent aridification of the Colorado River—the source of 90 percent of Southern Nevada’s water supply—means much less water will flow into Lake Mead in…
Water Smarts PodcastHERBA NON GRATA: Groundbreaking law requires businesses replace decorative grass
Shortage conditions on the Colorado River have reduced Southern Nevada’s water supply by about 7 billion gallons. While homeowners have worked hard to conserve…
Water Smarts PodcastFROM LAKE TO TAP: Delivering Water Through a World-Class System
Southern Nevada’s water system operates 24 hours a day, every day treating and delivering water that is pumped through nearly 4,000 feet of elevation changes…
Water Smarts PodcastDOWN THE DRAIN AND BACK AGAIN: Wastewater plays important role in Southern Nevada’s water cycle
Southern Nevada recycles 100% of the water it uses indoors—extending our limited water supply. For every gallon treated and returned to Lake Mead, we can pull…
Water Smarts PodcastTREES FOR TOMORROW: Protecting Las Vegas' urban forest
Las Vegas is the fastest warming city in the United States and as temperatures rise, the city’s urban forest of plants and trees will need to weather hotter…
Water Smarts PodcastClark County is ALL IN on building a resilient, sustainable community
Clark County is developing its first sustainability and climate action plan. The All-In Clark County plan focuses on enhancing quality of life, protecting our…