CLARK COUNTY Water Reclamation District
Board of Trustees
AGENDA ITEM
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Petitioner: |
Thomas A. Minwegen, General Manager |
Recommendation:
title
Approve and authorize the General Manager to sign an interlocal agreement among the Southern Nevada Water Authority, the City of Henderson, the City of North Las Vegas, and the City of Las Vegas to establish a septic system conversion pilot program; approve the District's contribution of $60,000; or take other action as appropriate. (For possible action)
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FISCAL IMPACT:
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Fund #: |
O&M |
Fund Name: |
CCWRD General Funds |
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Fund Center: |
CCWRD Funds |
Funded PGM/Grant: |
N/A |
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Amount: |
$60,000 |
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Description: |
Septic System Conversion Pilot Program |
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Additional Comments: |
N/A |
BACKGROUND:
There are more than 14,000 septic systems in Clark County, which poses a nitrate concern in Southern Nevada's groundwater aquifer. Nitrates can flow easily from leaking septic tanks through the soil to form contamination plumes in groundwater. Increased nitrate levels, when present in drinking water supplies, pose considerable health risks to the community, especially infants. In addition, septic systems may occur on properties that receive municipal water service. Removing these septic systems and connecting these water users to the sanitary sewer will both reduce the risk of groundwater contamination and increase return flow credits, thereby extending our Colorado River water resources.
The cost for an individual property to abandon a septic system and connect to a municipal wastewater system can be prohibitive; therefore, a grant program would allow qualified properties to receive financial assistance for undertaking a septic system conversion. Modeled after the Southern Nevada Water Authority's Groundwater Management Program's well conversion program, the septic conversion pilot program would enable septic users to abandon their septic tanks, reduce the threat of nitrates to the groundwater aquifer, and establish a more sustainable use of water resources.
If approved, the attached interlocal agreement provides for the Southern Nevada Water Authority (Authority) to administer the pilot program with initial program funding coming from the Authority, the District, the City of Henderson, the City of North Las Vegas, and the City of Las Vegas. It is anticipated that funding for future years will come from multiple sources including an increase to the Authority's Groundwater Management Program's annual permit fee.
In accordance with NRS 277.180, the parties are authorized to enter into interlocal agreements to perform governmental functions and activities.
Staff recommends that the Board approve and authorize the General Manager to enter into the interlocal agreement.
This agenda item has been reviewed and approved by the District General Counsel.