Proper lawn care in the Las Vegas area is increasingly important as water use has risen by 6 percent over the past year, equating to an additional 2.2 billion gallons. With Lake Mead at only 33 percent capacity and reduced runoff from the Rocky Mountains anticipated, local water managers are focusing on lawn irrigation as a controllable factor.
To address this, the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) emphasizes adherence to seasonal water restrictions. In summer, residents can water lawns up to six days per week, but not between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. due to evaporation risks. Watering is prohibited on Sundays year-round. Violations can lead to fines, and excessive water use charges apply to customers of the Las Vegas Valley Water District, excluding Henderson and North Las Vegas.
Gradually increasing watering frequency reduces stress on plants. The SNWA recommends running sprinklers for no more than 12 minutes per day, divided into three cycles of four minutes each, spaced an hour apart. For drip irrigation, two to three days per week is advised through May, increasing to three or four days from June to August to maintain healthy landscapes and manage water bills.