Las Vegas Water Consumption: Conservation Policy Case Study

Abstract

This paper examines the water consumption in Las Vegas, Nevada and determines actions needed for the city to reduce water usage. I analyze a data set that dates from 1975 to 2002, and includes independent variables such as, temperature, wind, laws in effect, real price, and real income. The data indicates that wind, temperature, real price, and real income, contribute positively and significantly to the water consumption in Las Vegas, while laws, and rain, are consistent with lower usage. These independent variables show many interesting correlations to the dependent variable of water consumption. The results suggest that by increasing from one law to a few laws, increasing price slightly, and continued secondary education on water conservation, it will significantly reduce the amount of water consumed.
These policies will alleviate some of the water consumption, but will probably not cure the overuse of water in Las Vegas