Rep. Lee Announces $2 Million in WaterSMART Grant Funding to Improve Water Supply Sustainability in Nevada

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Rep. Susie Lee (Nev.-03) announced that the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has awarded Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) $2 million in WaterSMART grant funding to expand its landscape rebate program, which incentivizes residential property owners to replace turf with water-efficient landscaping and is expected to result in annual water savings of 2,022 acre-feet. The competitive WaterSMART program provides funding for projects that will improve water use efficiency, reduce the risk of water conflicts and enhance water supply sustainability in the western United States.

"We are at an inflection point in our fight against the climate crisis as the West continues to endure debilitating drought and Lake Mead's water levels plummet to record lows. WaterSMART grants are critical to ensuring that states like Nevada have the resources they need to improve water use efficiency," said Rep. Lee. "I have consistently fought to increase funding for the WaterSMART program to address the ongoing drought and guarantee that all Nevadans have access to safe, clean water. I'm proud to announce this grant, and I'm eager to see Southern Nevada Water Authority use this funding to protect our state's water resources."

"To date, Southern Nevada has replaced more than 200 million square feet of water-thirsty grass with water-efficient trees and plants – saving more than 11 billion gallons annually," said John Entsminger, SNWA General Manager. "We appreciate Representative Susie Lee's commitment to working with the Bureau of Reclamation to help support this grant and continue funding this important water-saving program for our community."

In her position on the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Lee secured an increase of $21 million in FY21 funding as well as an additional increase of $16 million in FY22 funding for the Drought Response Program in the WaterSMART program to assist water managers develop and implement projects that will help build long-term water resiliency.

You can read more about WaterSMART funding here.

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