Environmentally Sustainable Resources

Continuing its efforts to evolve toward environmental sustainability, the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) has developed renewable energy projects to help meet the region's growing needs. In addition, SNWA voluntarily will meet 20 percent of its energy needs through renewable resources by 2015, which parallels Nevada's Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards.

Hoover Dam Hydropower

SNWA contracts with the Colorado River Commission for power generated at Hoover Dam and is allocated a percentage of the power. Approximately 10 percent of the Water Authority's annual supply comes from Hoover Dam hydropower.

Hydroelectric Turbines

SNWA has developed hydropower projects at three Rate of Flow Control Stations (ROFCS) in Las Vegas and Henderson. The projects include a small turbine and induction generator at each site. As water passes through the pipeline, it turns the turbine and generates electricity. Combined, more than two megawatts of electricity can be generated from these systems.

The hydroelectric turbines are operating at the following sites:

• Linden ROFCS – 522 kilowatts (kW)
• Sloan  ROFCS – 933 kW

• Horizon Ridge ROFCS (Henderson) – 605 kW

Photovoltaic Systems

SNWA is currently designing 450 kW of solar photovoltaic systems to provide solar power to the Alfred Merritt Smith Water Treatment Facility and the River Mountains Water Treatment Facility. The projects include high-concentration photovoltaic (HCPV) systems at RMWTF and solar panels that will provide covered parking at both water treatment facilities. Combined, these projects will generate approximately 920,000 kWh (kilowatt hours) per year - the equivalent energy usage of more than 60 Las Vegas households.

Silverhawk Power Generation Facility

The Silverhawk Power Generation Facility is a 570-megawatt power plant located approximately 35 miles north of Las Vegas. Nevada Power maintains 75 percent interest in the facility while SNWA holds the remaining 25 percent.

To ensure that Silverhawk optimizes the use of Nevada's water resources, the power plant operates using "dry cooling," a technology that produces electricity using one-tenth of the water consumed by traditional "wet-cooled" power plants. The facility also was designed with significant regard for the environment, incorporating strict emission limits and the Best Available Control Technology (BACT) for air quality.

Silver State Energy Association

SNWA is a member of the Silver State Energy Association (SSEA), a cooperative association between public agencies with the common goal to jointly plan, develop, own and operate power resources to meet their own needs and those of their customers. Membership in this organization offers improved project development opportunities and power purchasing capabilities, the sharing of resources and expertise, and the opportunity for jointly managing energy needs. Other members of the SSEA include the City of Boulder City, the Colorado River Commission of Nevada, Lincoln County Power District No. 1 and Overton Power District No. 5.

Other Environmentally Sustainable Efforts:

Molasky Corporate Center (MCC)

Located in the heart of downtown Las Vegas, the Molasky Corporate Center is an environmentally friendly office building and home to the SNWA. Based on protocols outlined by the United States GREEN Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), MCC has earned enough points to achieve a gold certification.

Key features of MCC include:

• A design offering significant energy savings by maximizing the amount of sunlight to interior space, minimizing glare and heat from direct sunlight in conjunction with electric lights
• An underfloor air distribution system resulting in huge energy savings and health benefits
• Wall insulation comprised of mulched, post-industrial blue jeans
• An improved indoor environmental quality due to the exclusion during construction of volatile organic compounds often found in adhesives, sealants, paints and carpet products
• A water recycling system using water captured from towers located on the roof for landscape irrigation, saving 3,000 gallons of water per cycle
• Restrooms equipped with low-flow plumbing fixtures
• A recycling center for paper, cardboard, glass, metal and plastics
• Access to showers and lockers at 24 Hour Fitness to those traveling to and from MCC by bicycle
• Offices equipped with Energy Star rated equipment and appliances

SNWA Vehicle Fleet

SNWA's goal is to have a 100 percent alternative-fueled vehicle fleet by 2015. Currently, many SNWA vehicles are powered by alternative fuels:

• 87 biodiesel
• 3 compressed natural gas
• 16 hybrid