The Las Vegas Valley Water District board is considering a proposal that would give property owners and homeowners associations until at least January 2028 to remove grass deemed "nonfunctional" before facing fines. Although a 2021 state law requires water providers to adopt enforcement terms by Jan. 1, 2025, officials believe the statute allows them to modify compliance deadlines.
Deputy General Manager Colby Pellegrino said the agency estimates roughly 20 million square feet of nonfunctional turf remains in the valley and that many property owners, particularly those without local ownership, remain unaware of the ban. The water district serves Las Vegas, unincorporated Clark County, and Laughlin, while Henderson, North Las Vegas, and Boulder City must set their own enforcement policies based on existing water waste codes.
Pellegrino said the Southern Nevada Water Authority aims to align all member agencies on enforcement timelines. Meanwhile, a Clark County judge may decide next week whether to issue an injunction in a lawsuit challenging the water authority's enforcement of the law.
The proposed rule changes would also raise water rates for construction use. The Southern Nevada Home Builders Association objected, citing a member's potential monthly bill increase of about $4,326 and warning the change could limit business expansion and raise housing costs. General Manager John Entsminger said he expects minimal impact on development overall.
Pending board adoption, the district plans to delay the construction rate increase until January 2028 to avoid disruption.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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