Sustainable water management in the Southwestern USA: A case study of Phoenix, AZ; and Las Vegas, NV

摘要

Las Vegas and Phoenix are the fastest and second fastest growing cities in the U.S. respectively. Paradoxically, both cities are located in the most arid region of the U.S. One approach to deal with water scarcity is to reduce water demand per capita. Water pricing is a simple parameter that easily provides the incentives for conservation. Tiered water structures can help reduce demand, and can aid in the conservation and sustainable use of water. The price structures of Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Phoenix were compared against data collected on the average per capita water (GPCD) use in the three cities over the past 20 years, to see how changes in price has effected water consumption. In addition, Phoenix and Las Vegas’ current water policies and water use were evaluated using sustainability criteria to determine the relative sustainability of the water management. Findings indicate water is inexpensive in Phoenix and slightly more expensive in Las Vegas with some presence of a tiered water structure in both cities. Las Vegas currently has a higher GPCD than Phoenix, but it also has many goals and measures to decrease demand. Las Vegas’ water use has been decreasing more rapidly than Phoenix’s due to demand side water management policies. Results also indicate that water in Los Angeles is significantly more expensive, and GPCD is lower than in both Phoenix and Las Vegas. Connecting price to GPCD, we can see that as price increases demand for water decreases. In my sustainability analysis, I found that Las Vegas is closer to making sustainable policies, but both still have room for improvement, such as implementing tiered structures based on both volume and season, and creating a system for public involvement.