As poor hydrology and climate change continue to plague the Colorado River Basin, additional and increased water conservation efforts are required to help protect critical water levels at Lake Mead, the Southern Nevada region’s primary water resource. The Las Vegas Valley Water District (LVVWD) is therefore proposing changes to its Service Rules on Ornamental Water Features to further increase water conservation.

Ornamental water features

Currently, the LVVWD Service Rules prohibit water service to new fountains and other new Ornamental Water Features with several exceptions, including fountains. However, they are still permitted at Resort Hotels, if the property satisfies certain abatement requirements.

Due to the severity of the ongoing drought affecting Lake Mead’s water levels, the LVVWD is proposing removing the Resort-Hotel abatement exception and prohibiting service to all new fountains and Ornamental Water Features, except under the following conditions:

1. The water feature is located entirely indoors, or
2. The water feature is supplied exclusively by privately-owned water rights, or
3. The water feature is less than 10 square feet and is located at a single-family residence.

Tentative schedule

Sept. 6, 2022 - LVVWD Board Considers Business Impact Statement

Oct. 4, 2022 - LVVWD Board holds a Public Hearing on Proposed Rule Change