Editorial: Group trading grass to aid water savings

KUDOS to a group of local citizens who have a refreshing idea for conserving water. They've declared a turf war.

Southern Nevada Coalition 2000 plans to lobby the Clark County Commission this week to limit the size of lawns included in new construction. It is estimated that a 6,000-square-foot lot would save 35,000 gallons of water a year if the group's recommendations are adopted.

They would limit lawns to 50 percent of the front yard of new homes, prohibit grass from abutting the front sidewalk or street, and restrict golf courses to five acres of grass per hole. They would also limit the landscaping of public facilities to 25 percent grass, with the exception of schools, parks and cemeteries.

This is sound public policy and comes at a time when we must do everything possible to conserve water for the growing Las Vegas Valley. Since this proposal doesn't affect existing developments, no one should feel threatened by what the coalition is trying to do. The Las Vegas City Council already is considering similar proposals.

It's hard to argue with coalition Chairman William Martin when he says that "judicious water use is essential to maintaining our quality of life." This is one turf war Southern Nevada shouldn't pass up.

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