Save money. Save water.

Contributed by Rachel Ako, Inside Sales & Commercial Sales - SynLawn

In a 2008 report on the status of Lake Mead, scientists at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography predicted there is a 50 percent probability that Lake Mead will be completely dry by 2021 due to the effects of climate change and the unsustainable usage of Colorado River water. The report concluded, "Today, we are at or beyond the sustainable limit of the Colorado system. The alternative to reasoned solutions to this coming water crisis is a major societal and economic disruption in the desert southwest, something that will affect each of us living in the region."

Going into 2009, the volume of water in Lake Mead is at a mere 46 percent. Water levels have not been this low since 1964. Further, it was not until 1983, 19 years after the 1964 low point, that Lake Mead returned to full capacity. One of the many ways Nevada is responding to this water crisis is by encouraging residents to convert to water-efficient landscaping. There are many benefits of converting, both to the environment and your wallet.

First, the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) is offering a $1.50 per square foot Water Smart Landscape Rebate program for any residence or business converting natural grass to water-efficient landscaping. This includes artificial turf, rock, mulch, wood chips, etc.

For the average residential home, converting 500 square feet of lawn to water-efficient landscaping saves more than $100 annually on your water bill, and conserves 27,500 gallons of water. That's a savings of 275,000 gallons of water and $1,080 over the next 10 years!

Business owners enjoy even greater savings. Converting your lawn to water-smart landscaping is a winwin situation. The average commercial business has approximately 3,000 square feet of lawn. Converting results in a savings of $650 on your water bill and saves 165,000 gallons of water a year. That's 1,650,000 gallons of water and $6,480 over the next 10 years!

Going into 2009, the volume of water in Lake Mead is at a mere 46 percent. Water levels have not been this low since 1964.

If you want to calculate your exact savings, use the watersaving calculator at www.snwa.com. Enter the square footage of natural grass you plan to convert to water-smart landscaping and the agency that supplies your water. With a click of your mouse, you will be shown exactly how many gallons of water you will save each year and how that translates to a positive impact on your bottom line. Even further savings will come in the form of decreased lawn maintenance fees, as well.

While reflecting on the possibility of a dry Lake Mead, climate scientist David Pierce noted, "It's likely to mean real changes to how we live and do business in this region." Las Vegas businesses can begin making changes now. Changes will help prevent much more drastic conditions in the future, both environmentally and economically.

For more information on the benefits of converting to water-efficient landscaping, you can call the Project Office at 702.862.3400 or visit the SNWA online for an information packet, application, gallery of landscape designs and even a list of water-smart contractors.

Additional source: http://www.arachnoid.com/NaturalResources

The views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and may not reflect the views of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce.