In Vegas, Wasting Water is a Sin

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In Vegas, wasting water is a sin Push for higher prices http: / /aj c.printthis .clickability.com /pt/cpt ?action =cpt &title =In +Vega... Despite the strides the authority has made, critics say Las Vegas should do more to conserve water. One way of discouraging water use could be to make it more expensive. The Rates Citizen's Advisory Committee, a 14- member panel, was appointed by the Las Vegas Valley Water District to recommend a water pricing structure that would strengthen conservation. The committee's charts show that Las Vegas pays a fraction of the water fees of Tucson, Ariz., San Antonio, Santa Barbara, Calif. — and even Atlanta. Scot Rutledge, executive director of the Nevada Conservation League, is all for Vegas increasing water fees. "You sure as hell should pay more for water if you're moving to an area with limited water resources," said Rutledge, who's not on the panel. "There are people in this valley who don't care how much water they use. Those are the people who should have to pay." Because about three - quarters of water use in the Las Vegas vicinity is by single- family homes, the committee is focusing on those users. But all customers would be affected. Some members of the advisory board — which includes representatives of gaming and development, labor unions and golf courses — are concerned that prices may escalate too quickly and businesses might be disproportionately affected. "I think there's going to be rate shock no matter what," said Ron Winkle, who represents older adults on the committee. He cited the possibility that a 20 percent increase could bankrupt a golf course with a million - dollar water bill. "At the same time," said Cynthia Lopez, who represents the residential sector, "golf is a luxury, especially in the desert." "I don't think we want golf courses to go out of business," Winkle replied. "Of course not," agreed Lopez, "but we're talking about water conservation." When the meeting was over, committee facilitator Lewis Michaelson said the panel's mission is to curtail demand and encourage conservation while making sure everyone pays a fair share. Water administrator Richard Wimmer shook his head. "It's a balancing act that's not achievable," he said. "You know that." New sources needed Ultimately, conservation will fall short, said Pat Mulroy, general manager of both the Las Vegas Valley Water District and of the Southern Nevada Water Authority. Southern Nevada must find new ways to bring in water, she said. A complex plan hammered out by the states along the Colorado River and expected to be signed by the of 5 11/26/2007 10:51 AM