Two more cities join study on reclaimed water

The cities of North Las Vegas and Henderson this week signed off on a cooperative agreement to conduct a valleywide study concerning reclaimed water.

Since the Las Vegas Valley Water and Clark County Sanitation districts also have approved the study, that just leaves the city of Las Vegas.

Las Vegas, which is supposed to act as the lead agency for the study, is scheduled to vote Monday on the agreement that authorizes a joint study to be conducted by Black and Veatch LLP, an engineering firm with expertise in recycled water.

The purpose of the study is to maximize use of reclaimed water, thereby ensuring more drinkable water for future growth needs.

"We're equal partners and I think it's a good study," Kurt Segler, utilities manager for the city of Henderson, said.

"Reclaiming water inside the valley makes environmental and financial sense," he said. "It's an outstanding resource."

The cost of the two-year study, which was recommended as part of the Southern Nevada Strategic Planning Authority's final plan, is estimated at $250,000 and will be divided five ways among the governing boards.

The study will evaluate all possible acceptable applications for recycled water including irrigation, commercial and industrial.

In addition to looking at existing and future reclaimed water demands, the study will suggest potential locations for satellite water treatment facilities, Segler said.

The Las Vegas Valley currently uses approximately 17 million gallons a day of reclaimed water, according to the water district.

archive