Return-Flow Credits

All of the states' Colorado River apportionments are consumptive use (net) allocations. This means that Southern Nevada can actually divert more water than its apportionment, as long as we return that water back to the river.

How we return water to the Colorado River

When you take a shower or wash your car at a commercial facility, the unused water flows into the sanitary sewer. This sewer water travels to a wastewater treatment facility, where it is treated.

The highly-treated wastewater is returned to the Colorado River via the Las Vegas Wash, which flows into Lake Mead. The water returned earns the valley return-flow credits.

By treating Colorado River water after it is used and returning it to the lake, Southern Nevada is able to extend its Colorado River resources.

Conservation and consumptive use

Because water that is "wasted" indoors flows into the sanitary sewer, it has an opportunity to be treated and used again. It has not been "consumed" but recycled, and gives us an opportunity for return-flow credits.

Water that is wasted outdoors evaporates and cannot be used again.