In a recent discussion on water management, two prominent figures in the field, Pat Mulroy, former head of the Southern Nevada Water Authority, and Jim Lochead, former head of Denver Water, shared insights on innovative strategies for water conservation in the Colorado River basin.

The conversation highlighted the challenges and advancements in water treatment and recycling. Lochead emphasized the complexities of returning treated water to inland communities like Denver, where pollutants complicate the process. He noted that while coastal areas can manage brine discharge more easily, the technology for effective inland water recycling is still developing and can be costly for consumers.

Mulroy explained the closed-loop system utilized in Southern Nevada, where water from the Colorado River is treated and delivered to customers, who then return it to treatment facilities. This process allows for the replenishment of Lake Mead, enabling the extraction of additional water for use. Mulroy pointed out that reducing outdoor water usage is crucial, citing efforts to eliminate water-intensive lawns as a primary focus.

Both leaders discussed the success of programs aimed at removing nonfunctional turf—grass that serves no practical purpose and consumes significant water. Denver has adopted a similar approach to Las Vegas, incentivizing residents to replace unnecessary grass with more sustainable landscaping suited to the local environment.

As water scarcity continues to be a pressing issue, these discussions underscore the importance of innovative water management practices and community engagement in conservation efforts.