Ask the Expert: How does the EPA Keep Tahoe Blue?

• Brief Summary of Episode

  Ask the Expert: How does the EPA help keep Tahoe Blue?The jewel of the Sierras, Lake Tahoe straddles the state line of California and Nevada. The Lake which is over 2 million years old, over a mile above sea level, and deeper than the Empire State building is a large part of our water system here in Nevada. So how do experts work to keep Lake Tahoe Blue? Join our panel of experts on April 21 at 3:30pm to learn more about the efforts to conserve the Lake Tahoe Basin and how you can engage in this effort.

• About the Speaker

  Our expert panel: Laura Patten, Senior Science Policy Analyst, League to Save Lake Tahoe and Alexis Hill, Washoe County Commissioner, and Shane Piccinni, Policy Expert & NVCCE Board President

• Associated NV Academic Content Standards

  SS.9-12.CE.11. Use disciplinary and interdisciplinary lenses to understand the characteristics and causes of contemporary issues at the local, regional, and global level. SS.9-12.CE.12. Apply a range of deliberative and democratic strategies and procedures to make decisions and take action regarding contemporary issues at the local, regional, and global level.

• Educational Resources

  Local water authorities:

  Southern Nevada Water Authority

  Truckee Meadows Water Authority

  City of Elko Utilities

  Central Nevada Regional Water Authority

• Informed Action Ideas

  Research the landscape ordinances for your area. For example, the City of Reno Development Standards (2019) state, “In multi-family, mixed-use, or nonresidential districts, or model homes, lawn or turf areas shall not exceed 50 percent of the required landscape area” and “Non-turf areas shall emphasize low water consumptive plants.” These requirements seem contradictory. Create a new policy to present to city or county officials to maximize water conservation in your area.