Water Smarts Podcast

SNWA researchers have been at the forefront of emerging water issues for the past 25 years, and their discoveries have helped protect Southern Nevada’s drinking water supply. SNWA scientists have helped stop quagga mussel infestations from blocking water intake pipes and helped implement ozonation to the water treatment process. Eric Wert, Water Quality Research & Development Manager, talks about the emerging issues the lab currently is tracking and what might be the next generation of water treatment on this episode of the Water Smarts Podcast.  Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke https://www.snwa.com/ [https://www.snwa.com/]   https://www.snwa.com/ [https://www.snwa.com/]

The SNWA Youth Conservation Council (YCC) is hosting the Earth Day Celebration at the Springs Preserve on April 19. YCC members share details about the event’s super cool activities and the new children’s book they’ve created. They also discuss why they’re passionate about water conservation on this episode of the Water Smarts Podcast.  Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke https://www.snwa.com/ [https://www.snwa.com/]

It takes a lot of engineering and expertise to deliver water throughout the Las Vegas Valley. Buck Osborne, Operations Director for the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA), talks about how our water system is designed and maintained to ensure access to our water supply, even during emergencies and natural disasters. Buck shares how SNWA’s investment in our water infrastructure ensures a secure, reliable water supply.   Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke https://www.snwa.com/ [https://www.snwa.com/] https://www.snwa.com/ [https://www.snwa.com/]

When Las Vegas Valley artesian springs ran dry decades ago, several species disappeared from the landscape. Rewilding projects at the Springs Preserve have helped rebuild the native habitat and protect endangered species like the Pahrump Poolfish, Relict Leopard Frog and Desert Tortoise. Dr. Ray Saumure, SNWA Senior Environmental Biologist, talks about the challenges of repopulating endangered species and how the discovery that the tiny frogs are cannibalistic may help ensure a sustainable population. Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke https://www.snwa.com/ [https://www.snwa.com/]

AB356—the Nevada law that prohibits use of Colorado River water to irrigate nonfunctional turf—takes effect Jan. 1, 2027. Mike Bernardo, SNWA Enterprise Conservation Manager, talks about the law and how SNWA can help property owners prepare. Mike also addresses community concerns about replacing grass with drip-irrigated plants and trees, and how new alternative grasses can be a water-smart option for thirsty lawns on the Water Smarts Podcast, “THIRST QUENCHERS: Nevada’s nonfunctional grass law and alternative grasses help protect community’s water supply.” Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelke https://www.snwa.com/ [https://www.snwa.com/] https://www.snwa.com/ [https://www.snwa.com/]