Southern Nevada Water Authority Landscape Conversion

      Vegascape are ‘Water Smart’ contractors and original participants in this very successful program since its introduction in 2004. Despite the large increase in population in the Las Vegas valley, incredibly water consumption has dropped. This pioneering program has proved so successful it is now being imitated by other states, such as Arizona and even Hawaii.

As well as having to regularly attend ‘Water Smart’ classes, Vegascape employees have to demonstrate an understanding of the Xeriscape techniques taught, and design irrigation systems accordingly.

It is a straightforward process. The homeowner wants the rebate for the grass conversion (currently $1.50 per square foot), and the ongoing savings. The water authority wants the conversion to save water. It is a win-win situation.

Firstly, the homeowner must provide an application to the Southern Nevada Authority. They will normally visit the site and ensure the lawn area to be converted complies with their common-sense conditions.

__________________________________________________

After the go-ahead is given

     A ‘Water-Smart’ contractor is employed to design a yard utilizing the low usage desert plants suggested, by the Water Authority. To comply with the rebate conditions, the plants must cover fifty percent of the converted area at maturity. This is actually a lot less daunting than it sounds. The selected Water Smart Contractor (hopefully Vegascape) will be knowledgeable of the approved foliage.

The plant irrigation system must include a programmable irrigation controller, pressure regulator, Y Filter and pressure compensating emitters. With these we can provide a tightly controlled and highly efficient irrigation system. We optimize the water usage, leading to healthy and attractive plants, low water usage and cost savings to the owner. Previous sod irrigation is removed to ensure it cannot be reconnected in the future.

~ Approved mulch is introduced to complete the conversion.

~ The irrigation controller is programmed to comply with the Southern Nevada Water Authority guidelines for when to water.

~ The homeowner would inform the authority the program is complete, and await final inspection.

~ The check arrives in the mail.

__________________________________________________

      Often my clients will ask the measurement of the area to be converted. This is especially true, if the area to be converted is not an easy area to measure. It appears, despite having completed the initial inspection, the Southern Nevada Water Authority do not advise how much the rebate will be.

Vegascape will always list what we believe to be the square footage, but the Southern Nevada Water Authority have the final say. We have been led to believe the square footage is calculated using satellite imagery and computer software.

How true this is I cannot confirm, bit I know if you ask ten different landscapers to measure the area you will get ten different answers.