Reclamation administers a Water Conservation Field Services Program (WCFSP) in southern Nevada, northwest Arizona and southwest Utah to help water agencies and Native American tribes better manage and conserve their water supplies. Listed here are some on-going projects that Reclamation is participating in to help communities' conservation efforts:
Southern Nevada Water Authority Construction Use Study
This study is the first of its kind to be conducted in the Desert Southwest. Reclamation is providing the Southern Nevada Water Authority technical
and financial assistance ($40,000) to conduct research on water use efficiency in land development and construction industries. The study will: benchmark existing practices and efficiencies; determine opportunities to improve water efficiency for construction firms; create practical recommendations or tools for industry officials to improve water efficiency without compromising the quality of work, regulatory compliance or project cost-efficiency; and provide credible information to allow the Water Authority to evaluate opportunities for incentive and educational retrofit programs for construction water users.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area Campground Conservation Project
Lake Mead National Recreation Area was established as America's first national recreation area, and has become a destination for millions of visitors who enjoy camping, boating, fishing, swimming, water-skiing and other outdoor pursuits. Reclamation and the National Park Service have entered into an agreement to cost-share the rehabilitation of obsolete irrigation systems and replacement of non-native vegetation at Cottonwood Cove and Echo Bay campgrounds in the Recreation Area. This conversion will save more than 53 million gallons of water annually, reducing the park's consumptive water use by 70 percent.
Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) Colorado River Reference Guide and Drought Student Activity Workbook
Project WET is a non-profit water education program for educators and young people that promotes awareness, appreciation, knowledge, and stewardship of water resources. Reclamation's Lower Colorado Region is currently supporting two Project WET publications projects that focus on Southwestern water resources. One is an educator's reference and activity guide about the Colorado River watershed. It will encompass 300+ pages with 175 to 200 illustrations, photographs, charts and maps that can be used to develop classroom lessons. The other project is a workbook for fourth and fifth grade students that will include interactive sections to educate and stimulate interest in young people about water conservation, water resource management, and drought.
For additional information about these and other water conservation activities in these areas, contact Program Coordinator Tina Mullis at tmullis@lc.usbr.gov or at 702-293-8139.
