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Frequently Asked Questions

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As part of the Southern Nevada Water Authority's Drought Plan adopted by the City of Henderson in 2003, restrictions for water use were implemented to help conserve water and protect the future of our water resources. The following water use restrictions are defined by the Henderson Municipal Code Title 14.14. The following paragraphs offer a summary of rules that apply to the majority of customers, but there may be some exceptions to the rules below. Please see the complete Title 14, or contact the Conservation Section at (702) 267-5950 if you have any questions.

Mandatory Landscape Watering Guidelines
Residential and commercial landscape irrigation is restricted to a certain number of days per week based on the season. All customers are assigned to a watering group, labeled A, B, C, D or E, which defines what day(s) of the week landscape irrigation is allowed. Watering group assignments are based on the customer's location address.

Schedule illustrating how many days a week you may irrigate your landscaping

Watering between the hours of 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. from May 1 through September 30 is not allowed (this is also referred to as a time-of-day restriction).

Watering by hand (you must physically be present) using a container, or positive shut-off nozzle on your hose, is allowed any day of the week.

Authorization must be obtained from the Department of Utility Services Conservation Section at (702) 267-5950 prior to irrigation of new turf or irrigation after re-seeding of existing turf, which can only occur for a period of thirty days from the date of planting or installation. Time-of-day restrictions still apply.

Landscape Material Restrictions and Turf Installation A Henderson home that has converted turf to xeriscape
The installation of new turf in residential front yards, common areas, medians and non-residential developments is prohibited in most cases, regardless of building permit issue date. Turf installation in side and rear yards is limited to 50% or less of the total square footage.

If you currently have water-efficient landscaping, you are not allowed to replace that landscaping with turf. To determine how turf installation restrictions may apply to you, contact the Conservation Section at (702) 267-5950 or waterwaste@cityofhenderson.com.

Clark County prohibits residents from planting oleanders, fruiting olive trees, and fruiting maple trees.

Mist Systems
Mist cooling systems may only be operated during May 1 through September 30 of the calendar year. The use of mist cooling systems for animal safety are not restricted, and are allowed at any time of the year.

Vehicle and Surface Washing
A personal vehicle may be washed at home but is limited to one time per week and the use of a positive shut-off nozzle is required. Use of a commercial car wash that recycles its water is recommended. Visit www.snwa.com to print a coupon towards your next commercial car wash. Washing of equipment, buildings and surfaces, such as sidewalks and driveways, is not allowed. The use of a broom is recommended.

Ornamental Fountains and Water Features
The operation of fountains or water features requires the submission of a Water Feature Exemption form to the City, and payment of an annual fee. Associated fees will be dispersed to the department's water conservation budget to fund educational programming. To determine if you may operate a fountain or water feature, contact the Conservation Section at (702) 267-5950 or waterwaste@cityofhenderson.com. Operation of residential fountains and water features with a surface area of 25 square feet or less is not restricted.

Swimming Pools and Spas
Public and private swimming pools are not restricted in their water use. However, all pool and spa water must be drained into the sanitary sewer system through a clean out port located on your property. Draining pool or spa water into the street is considered water waste and may result in an administrative fine. Draining pool or spa water into a manhole is considered illegal dumping. Use of a pool cover is recommended, and can reduce water evaporation by up to 50%. Visit www.snwa.com to print a coupon towards the purchase of a pool cover.

Golf Course Water Budgets
Outdoor water use on Henderson golf courses is restricted to an annual water budget of 6.3 acre feet per irrigated acre. Water used in excess of the annual water budget will incur a surcharge. The majority of water used to irrigate Henderson golf courses is reclaimed water, or cleaned and highly treated wastewater.