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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.

LATEST EPISODE - Lake Life: Limnologists study Lake Mead to protect our drinking water

Episode 63 - June 11, 2025

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 can impact our drinking water supply. Limnologists Todd Tietjen and Deena Hannoun share how their research helps protect our drinking water, and how their studies help other Colorado River Basin water agencies.

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INDUSTRY-CHANGING RESEARCH: SNWA water quality lab celebrates 25 years

Episode 62 - May 21, 2025

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 drinking water supply. SNWA scientists have helped stop quagga mussel infestations from blocking water intake pipes and helped implement ozonation to the water treatment process. Eric Wert, Water Quality Research & Development Manager, talks about the emerging issues the lab currently is tracking and what might be the next generation of water treatment.

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FLEXING THEIR WATER SMARTS: Teens in Youth Council are the GOATs of H2O conservation in Southern Nevada

Episode 61 - April 10, 2025

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 super cool activities and the new children's book they've created. They also discuss why they’re passionate about water conservation.

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NEVER ON EMPTY: Infrastructure investments ensure access to our water supply

Episode 60 - March 31, 2025

It takes a lot of engineering and expertise to deliver water throughout the Las Vegas Valley. Buck Osborne, Operations Director for SNWA, talks about how our water system is designed and maintained to ensure access to our water supply, even during emergencies and natural disasters. Buck shares how SNWA's investment in our water infrastructure ensures a secure, reliable water supply.

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JENGA IN THE WILD: Rewilding endangered species supports historic ecosystem

Episode 59 - Feb. 13, 2025

When Las Vegas Valley artesian springs ran dry decades ago, several species disappeared from the landscape. Rewilding projects at the Springs Preserve have helped rebuild the native habitat and protect endangered species like the Pahrump Poolfish, Relict Leopard Frog and Desert Tortoise. Dr. Ray Saumure, SNWA Senior Environmental Biologist, talks about the challenges of repopulating endangered species and how the discovery that the tiny frogs are cannibalistic may help ensure a sustainable population.

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THIRST QUENCHERS: Nevada's nonfunctional grass law and alternative grasses help protect community's water supply

Episode 58 - Dec. 31, 2024

AB356—the Nevada law that prohibits use of Colorado River water to irrigate nonfunctional turf—takes effect Jan. 1, 2027. Mike Bernardo, SNWA Enterprise Conservation Manager, talks about the law and how SNWA can help property owners prepare. Mike also addresses community concerns about replacing grass with drip-irrigated plants and trees, and how new alternative grasses can be a water-smart option for thirsty lawns.

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ALWAYS ON TAP: Pipes and pumps keep the water flowing in Las Vegas

Episode 57 - Dec. 5, 2024

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 homeowners get help paying to find and fix water leaks? Doa Ross, SNWA Deputy General Manager of Engineering, answers these questions and more.

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WHAT LIES BENEATH: Southern Nevada groundwater is a hidden resource for the community

Episode 56 - Oct. 8, 2024

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 the springs and groundwater aquifer; and Las Vegas became a townsite because the railroad needed a stop where it could refill its steam locomotive water tanks. The Las Vegas Springs stopped flowing in 1962, but Southern Nevada still relies on the groundwater aquifer for 10 percent of its water supply. Learn more about groundwater and how the Southern Nevada Water Authority helps protect the aquifer.

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IN SEASON: Star Nursery's tips for fall and winter

Episode 55 - Sept. 10, 2024

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 joins us to talk landscape tips and suggest plants and trees that thrive in the desert. Find out how you can have year-round color in your yard, when to prune plants, and what grows in your garden in the cooler months.

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SUSTAINABLE FOCUS: MGM Resorts invests to save water

Episode 54 - Aug. 12, 2024

Despite appearances, the Las Vegas Strip resorts only consume 6 percent of Southern Nevada’s water supply. MGM Resorts Vice President of Sustainability Michael Gulich and SNWA Conservation Manager Mike Bernardo talk about how the hotels use water, including why the Bellagio Fountain does not impact Southern Nevada’s Colorado River water allocation. From replacing moats with artificial turf to testing new technologies, MGM Resorts is ensuring its properties and operations are as water smart as possible.

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LEAKS HAPPEN: Get help finding and fixing water leaks

Episode 53 - July 3, 2024

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 supply when you combine the water lost to leaks at all Southern Nevada homes and businesses. JC Davis, the director of Customer Care & Field Services at the Las Vegas Valley Water District (LVVWD), shares details about a new suite of programs from LVVWD and the Southern Nevada Water Authority that will help homeowners pay for professional services to find and fix leaks.

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