HOW TO GO GREEN IN 2008.

Going green and becoming more environmentally oriented is the right thing to do. And, it’s actually very simple. Here are the top tips from southern Nevada’s leading conservation partners committed to helping residents of the Las Vegas valley to GO GREEN!
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FROM SOUTHERN NEVADA WATER AUTHORITY:

Got grass? Use it wisely
The largest water user in southern Nevada might surprise you. Residential customers use 60 percent of southern Nevada’s drinking water, most of it for landscaping. By comparison, hotels and casinos use seven percent and golf courses use eight percent. In our harsh desert climate, grass uses up to four times the amount of water than other plants, trees and shrubs. Kids need places to play and pets need room to run and jump but if there are water-guzzling grassy areas of your yard that never get used, consider replacing these areas with more water-efficient plants. You can still have a lush, colorful yard and be more water smart. And to offset landscaping costs, Southern Nevada Water Authority offers a $1.50 per square foot lawn replacement rebate. Visit snwa.com or call 258-SAVE for details.

Follow the rules by watering on assigned days
Homes and businesses throughout the valley have been assigned mandatory watering days. By complying with the mandatory watering schedule, you’ll save thousands of gallons of water and maintain a healthy landscape. Also, when it rains, be sure to turn off your irrigation system. Turning off sprinkler systems for one day saves more than 500 gallons of water.

Fix that drip
Check and repair faucets, showers, irrigation systems and toilets that may have leaks. Many repairs can be quick, cost-effective and will reduce water use, saving you money in the long run.

Use a pool cover
You can save 10,000–15,000 gallons per year by using a pool cover. SNWA offers a pool cover rebate coupon for up to $200 off or half the cost of a pool cover.

Use washing machines only when full
Running washing machines and dishwasher when they’re full saves hundreds of gallons per month. If it’s time for new appliances, consider a front-load washer, which use up to 50 percent less water per load.