Faced with an average rainfall of just 4 inches each year, officials in Las Vegas, Nevada looked for new ways to conserve the water from Lake Mead. Through the WaterStart initiative, the city has successfully implemented several new programs that utilize emerging technologies to increase the amount of water saved. Drones are used to monitor the effectiveness of the city’s irrigation plans and determine how to best conserve water while simultaneously preserving the environment. Acoustic devices located at ground level record the sounds emitted from underground pipes, alerting officials to potential leaks that require attention. These innovative solutions aren’t the only thing impressive about Las Vegas’ efforts; WaterStart also encouraged noteworthy collaboration between the various levels of government and research institutions. Coordinated funding and a high level of information sharing have made Las Vegas one of the most well-coordinated and water-conscious cities in the country.
Gamechanger added in 2016.
