You might have heard; Nevada Irrigation District (NID) customers are under a mandate to conserve 20 percent of water as our community faces an emergency shortage. Without efforts to use more efficiently use water, the local supply will be depleted to dangerously low levels this summer.
Severe damage to infrastructure owned by the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) at Lake Spaulding has effectively cut off water supplies in 2024 and now into 2025. The lack of access to normal watershed runoff means the District must rely upon the limited water storage in Rollins and Scotts Flat reservoirs. Last year, the reservoirs were drawn down to extremely low levels, and the impact in 2025 is expected to be similar. The mandatory 20 percent water conservation helps preserve some of that limited water in the reservoirs.
Yet, many NID customers note they have already reduced their water usage and are pressed to find ways to cut back more. They have shortened showers, installed drip systems for their gardens, and attached nozzles on their hoses. The toilet slogan coined during the 1976-1977 drought “if it’s yellow, let it mellow; if it’s brown, flush it down” is less novel than it was in years past.
We truly need to make water conservation a lifestyle, but how do we get to the next level and break through the marketing noise to make a difference with our water use? One way is to think about the big picture and to become more knowledgeable and mindful about water. This may sound esoteric, but it makes sense.
When we start to fully comprehend water is a limited resource, it matters how much we use during a normal day. That knowledge helps promote a deeper appreciation and that can create a catalyst to become more water efficient.
For starters, many people simply aren’t aware of the amount of water they directly consume – think showers, cooking and watering the plants. Statewide, residential water average is about 85 gallons per person per day (gpcd).
Yet, there is more to it. Besides the direct water use, there also is “virtual” water use, which refers to the water needed for producing products, providing services and growing food. For example, that new pair of cotton summer shorts takes up to 700 gallons of water to produce, from irrigating cotton in the field to manufacturing and processing the fabric. And a plant grown commercially that produces about 30 tomatoes requires around 75 to 100 gallons of water.
Considering both direct- and virtual water use, the average person uses 1,802 gpcd, according to GRACE Communications Foundation, a nonprofit organization that works to promote sustainable solutions in food, environmental, and public health sectors.
By considering both your direct water and virtual water use, you can get a clearer sense of the actual costs of water to support your lifestyle. That helps create understanding about how you use water and, from there, change your habits to become more water efficient.
Measuring your water footprint
Everything we do on a daily basis uses water. To get an idea of how much on an individual basis, measuring a “water footprint” is helpful. This measures the total amount of water consumed either directly, such as when washing hands or showering, or indirectly, such as in the production of food and other products. Understanding a water footprint helps us understand how to reduce our water consumption and minimize our impact on water resources.
How to become water efficient and conserve — what choices do I make?
Water conservation and water efficiency are both strategies to reduce water usage, but they differ in their focus. Water conservation focuses on reducing overall water consumption, while water efficiency focuses on using water more effectively to accomplish a task. Efficiency often involves using water-saving technologies and practices, while conservation also includes behavioral changes and policies.
Consider both your direct- and virtual water uses, and focus on reducing water consumption at home and making mindful choices about the products you purchase and consume.
As far as water conservation, small changes can add up to make a big difference. An easy start to reduce the amount are commonsense conservation practices. These are part of NID’s emergency water declaration:
- Keep water on your property: no runoff is allowed from watering that flows onto adjacent property, walkways, roadways, parking lots, and the like
- Put a nozzle on it: when you wash your car, the hose must be fitted with a spray nozzle or attached device that cuts off water when not in use
- No fake water features: don’t fill a fountain or other decorative water feature, except where the water is part of a recirculating system
- Ask for a glass of water: drinking water won’t be automatically poured in eating or drinking establishments. Thirsty? Not a problem: water is available upon request
- Traveling? Forego daily washed towels and sheets: hotel and motel operators will provide guests with the option of not having towels and linens laundered daily. Choose to save water by not having washable items changed every 24 hours.
NID Customer Incentives and Rebates:
NID can help you reach your water efficiency and conservation goals. The District offers incentives and rebates to customers. Currently the rebates include:
- Mulch Rebate Program: Receive up to $50 to purchase mulch from the vendor of your choice.
- Toilet Rebate Program: NID treated water customers can get financial incentive to replace older toilets with high-efficient, water-saving toilets
- Raw Water Storage Tank Rebate: The District’ Raw Water Storage Tank Rebate Program was developed to help customers improve their irrigation water system reliability through side storage. The minimum storage tank allowed through the rebate program is 500 gallons.
- Turf Removal Rebate: NID’s Turf Removal Rebate Program provides financial incentive to encourage residential treated water customers to removal turf grass and replace it with water efficient landscape. The rebate amount per residential meter is $1 per square foot of converted turf up to $1,000.
How are we doing with water conservation?
The good news is in 2025 NID treated water customers are using two percent less than the 13-year average. That’s a meaningful start. Even small changes indicate an awareness that conservation is important and customers are beginning to become engaged and capable of adjusting your habits.
Unfortunately, there’s still a way to go to reach the 20 percent water conservation goal.
We are on the right path, but it’s time to consider more impactful actions, such as upgrading to water-efficient appliances, reducing outdoor watering, or fixing leaks promptly. With a bit more effort, that two percent can grow faster than you might expect. We’re not starting from zero, and that’s a solid place to build from.
