Southern Nevada Water Use Down, Thousands Fined Millions

Maybe it is the fact that Southern Nevada knows it's in a major drought. Maybe it's the fact that Ryan Reaves still lives here and could level us at any moment. But thankfully water use in Southern Nevada is down. That doesn't mean there aren't water wasters, however.

There are a couple bright sides when it comes to the situation in Lake Mead. First of all, water levels are just plateauing now after a very solid snowpack in the Colorado River Basin helped feed the river. Usually the water levels start to peak in April, so this is amazing news.

On top of that, the Las Vegas Valley Water District is touting huge water savings year to year. Over the first six months of 2023, water use in single family homes dropped over 10 percent compared to the year prior. Even the biggest water users have dropped their use around 20%! It's worth noting, a lot of the "water waste" you see comes from irrigating lawns, and not showers and sinks. If it hits a drain in Southern Nevada, it is treated, returned to Lake Mead and re-used.

There are still some pretty big water users in the valley, and these whales are getting hit big. The water district has levied nearly $13 million in fines to around 60,000 customers over the first six months of 2023, according to the Review Journal who got the data from the Las Vegas Valley Water District. That means the average user being fined has seen their water bill rise over $200 so far this year.

Safeguards are in place though. New legislation gives the Southern Nevada Water Authority to turn off water to users that use beyond an allotment in absolutely dire conditions. While we aren't there quite yet, and we hope to never be there, there are more tools available to save that needed H20.

Summer is here, and with it comes the opportunity to enjoy America's beautiful lakes. One of my favorite summer activities is going to a pristine lake. Whether I just hang out on the beach or take a ride in a pontoon, it's always a summer highlight. So, what are some fun things to do at the lake this summer?

Before we get to that, did you know that there's actually a Lakes Appreciation Month? It's true. The North American Lakes Management Society (NALMS) has named July the official Lakes Appreciation Month. The designation is to "focus attention on the value of lakes and reservoirs to society and the threats they face." NALMS also states that their mission is to "forge partnerships among citizens, scientists, and professionals to foster the management and protection of lakes and reservoirs...for today and tomorrow."

One fun fact about lakes is that the lowest lake in the world is the Dead Sea, on the edge of Israel and Jordan. The surface level is 418 m below sea level. That's incredible. Also, the Great Lakes, which are shared between the U.S. and Canada, contain roughly 21% of the world's freshwater supply.

So, what are some engaging activities that you can do on the lake this year? Read on for a list of 10 fun things to do on the lake this summer.

I grew up a swimmer, but some lakes are just too cold for my taste. That said, many people love a refreshing dip into crisp, cold water at their local lake. Just check temperatures before you jump in, because if it's too early in the season, those temperatures could be dangerously cold.

Water often attracts special wildlife that you won't find anywhere else. That makes camping near a lake a very special experience and different from the typical campground. When you're camping, make sure you check out the nature that blossoms around the lakes and wetlands, too.

When I was a little kid, I wanted to go fishing. My dad was not a fisherman by any means and was pretty clueless about it. So, he had a friend of his take us fishing, and it was so fun, even though I didn't catch anything. That said, fishing is a great summer activity on the lake.

If you're looking for an activity to help keep you in shape, paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing are all great exercise. All of those activities are harder than they look, too, so they can be challenging. But, in the end, you'll have a good time and get in a real workout. Many lakes have places were you can rent a paddleboat, kayak or canoe, too.

One of my cousins absolutely loves jet skiing. It's always fun to hear him talk about the experience. I'm not much of a water sports enthusiast, but I can appreciate those who do partake. You don't even have to have your own boat or jet skis, as they are often available for rent nearby.

It's always a charming activity to have a picnic by the lake. Invite some friends or family over and bring some delicious food to enjoy while looking at the water. Oh, and make sure to have ice cream. That's a must.

Hiking near a lake can be extra lovely, as the water can offer glorious scenery to really make your hike memorable. As aforementioned, lakes often attract nature that you don't find anywhere else, so hiking around the water can be a unique experience.

Parties by the lake are always fun. So, get out a grill and invite a bunch of friends down to the beach to enjoy a day or night of partying by the water. But, don't get wasted, because drinking and swimming can be a deadly combination.

Here's my top choice, even though you'll likely find me doing it in the shade: sunbathing. If the water is too cold of you're just not up to more challenging activities, you can get some sun and lay on the beach. But, remember the sunscreen.

Lakeside games are definitely a thing, and there are many quirky games that you can play by the lake. A few enjoyable lake games include water balloon fights, bean bag tosses, horseshoes and more. Pick a game and dig in.