U.S. Water News Online
LAS VEGAS -- Desert golf course operators are preparing to oppose expensive drought-inspired water restrictions, warning that some courses could be forced out of business.
The industry didn't comment before the Southern Nevada Water Authority voted unanimously Jan. 23 to declare a drought watch and charge a premium for golf course water use. But golfers got a second chance because the vote violated a procedural step in the state open-meetings law.
``In the worst case, we're going to see golf courses go out of business,'' said Stan Spraul, general manager of the Southern Highlands Golf Club near Las Vegas. ``It's going to impact tourism, the entire Las Vegas economy.''
The regulations would become effective in June, after approval from the water authority's members -- Clark County, four cities and the Las Vegas Water District.
One provision would have golf courses pay a premium unless they reduce water consumption. Others would limit residential lawn watering and restrict grass turf in residential yards.
Authority officials presented the restrictions as a way to deal with an ongoing drought that has partially drained Lake Mead, the major water supply for southern Nevada, which has 1.5 million residents and 35 million annual visitors.
A water authority official characterized the measures as ``pricing incentives,'' and said a southern Nevada golf course that keeps using the same amount of water after the regulations go into effect in June would pay $177,500 a year in drought surcharges.
A Nevada Golf Course Owners Association official said members are alarmed by the stiff penalties for golf courses using more than 5.7 acre feet of water per acre per year. Most golf courses now use about 7 acre feet of water.
``Golf courses have organized and built their courses here with an understanding of the laws and regulations here,'' said James Endres, an association lobbyist. ``To change the ... application of these rules in a short time courts some economic distress, economic havoc.''
Spraul said industry officials think 3 in 10 visitors to Las Vegas spend time on golf courses, contributing $300 million a year to the local economy.
Members of the Nevada Seniors Coalition also oppose the drought measures, arguing that the water authority and elected leaders should freeze residential growth and stabilize water use at present levels.
But officials, including Amanda Cyphers, water authority board chairwoman and a Henderson city councilwoman, insist the drought plan is not intended to limit development.
Water authority official Doug Bennett said the concerns of golf course owners and managers were considered. But he noted the region is in the third year of the worst drought in the recorded history of the Colorado River.
``It is obviously not business as usual,'' he said.
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