Las Vegas Valley Water District shows News 3 how they report water waste violations

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — The Las Vegas Valley Water District (LVVWD) is intensifying efforts to curb water waste. Devyn Choltko, an assistant coordinator with the district, is on the front lines, identifying properties with faulty irrigation systems and notifying those responsible.

“We flag the area so when the landscapers come by they can see it and know exactly what is going on,” said Choltko. “Often times, the landscapers that are familiar with us, they fix it before they may even get the letters or the videos.”

The district’s process begins with a warning for first-time offenders. If issues persist, fines start at $80 and can escalate to a maximum of $1,280. “We let them know about it the first time. That would be considered a formal warning,” Choltko explained. “If the violation does continue and no action is taken, fees can be assessed.”

Bronson Mack, outreach manager for LVVWD, emphasized the importance of regular irrigation checks. “We recommend that you run your irrigation system once a month just for your own inspection,” he said. With the seasonal transition to fall, watering is restricted to three days a week starting Labor Day.

“We are still going to be out there doing water waste investigations on September 1st,” Mack added. “If you are watering on an unassigned watering day then you do run the potential of getting a water waste violation.”

Choltko, a Las Vegas native, expressed a personal commitment to conservation. “I am born and raised here, so for me, it is helping the community I was born and raised in,” she said. “We are in quite a bit of a drought, so I would like to see the place I call home last a little while.”

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