Editorial: Las Vegas adopts conservation plan

The City Council approved an ordinance Monday that will restrict the amount of grass used in new housing and business developments. For single-family homes, front yards would be limited to no more than 50 percent turf. Businesses would be restricted to 25 percent turf. The savings are not just a drop in the bucket. The new restrictions are expected to save 98 million gallons of water in the first year.

Fortunately the silly accusation that water conservation is akin to Big Brother was rejected. Still, the possibility remains that potentially even tougher choices one day may have to be made, especially if growth outpaces available water supplies. Mandatory restrictions on the amount of turf used on existing homes may someday be required.

For now, though, it's good to see the council move forward. It's time for other local governments to join in and seriously promote water conservation.

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