LETTERS: Water planning seems shortsighted
To the editor:
Over the past few weeks, several articles have drawn my attention to the seemingly fragile long-term planning by the city of Las Vegas and the Southern Nevada Water Authority to firmly ensure future years’ availability of adequate supplies for our ever-expanding requirements.
On March 31, the Review-Journal reported that the next water authority phase of their “building binge” is expected to last until 2020, costing almost $1.5 billion (“Pumping station next for water authority”). The total project cost has more than doubled in the last six years or so. On the same day, I read a report showing that just one of the dozens of home developers will build 13,250 homes in coming years (“Cadence welcomes home first buyers”).
On April 2, an article revealed there are no further water usage restrictions expected in the near future (“California water mandates won’t affect Southern Nevada rules”). Also, Lake Mead is one of at least four major resources for the California water supply, using about 1.4 trillion gallons a year. By comparison, Clark County gets 90 percent of its water (97.8 billion gallons) from Lake Mead. Note that Nevada’s allotted water supply from the Colorado River is the lowest among six other states that also draw from Lake Mead.
Droughts in the new millennium have caused Lake Mead water levels to fall more than 120 feet since 2000. Ander Sorenson’s letter to the editor drew attention to developers and new people moving into the valley, and that developers benefit as they get to build more homes/commercial properties (“Pipeline no solution,” April 3 Review-Journal. Taxpayers bear the brunt of water rate increases.
My growing concern is that Las Vegas is expanding rapidly, with many thousands of new properties on the horizon. But how much water can we continue to draw from the “well” when the supplies are dwindling? A new Lake Mead pump in six years’ time can only draw from the lake bottom areas, and how long will that last for our residents? What are the plans to curtail growing demands for this precious commodity and realistically balance our future demands with what can only be provided by Lake Mead?
Sometimes we forget that this is still a desert.
GEOFFREY MARSH
LAS VEGAS
Uber for veterans
To the editor:
Transitioning from active military to civilian life can be tough, but the U.S. military has positioned our nation’s veterans to be extraordinary leaders. In order to achieve their goals after the military, many veterans need flexible work schedules that allow them to go back to school and spend time with their families.
As a veteran and former Las Vegas Uber driver, I support Uber. The technology company recently launched UberMILITARY, which seeks to bring 50,000 members of the military community to the Uber platform in the next 18 months. While driving for Uber, I enjoyed the ability to set my own hours, work as little or as much as I wanted and be my own boss — earning an income on my terms.
Uber Military is a win-win, benefiting Uber and the military community. I urge Nevada legislators to help ensure our veterans have more employment options by passing sensible ridesharing legislation.
CRAYTON JOHNSON
HENDERSON
South Carolina shooting
To the editor:
The shooting incident in South Carolina raises many questions. When was the last time we heard of a police officer “shoot to stop”? For a broken tail light, or a possible child support warrant? With six to eight shots to the back, for someone who was running away? The officer took his Taser and moved it next to the body?
What kind of a threat was that guy?
CONSTANCE LINDSEY
LAS VEGAS
