Editing Las Vegas (section)

=== Effects of growth on water supply ===
A growing population means the Las Vegas Valley used {{convert|1.2|e9USgal|e9L|abbr=unit}} more water in 2014 than in 2011. Although water conservation efforts implemented in the wake of a 2002 drought have had some success, local [[Water footprint|water consumption]] remains 30&nbsp;percent greater than in Los Angeles, and over three times that of San Francisco metropolitan area residents. The [[Southern Nevada Water Authority]] is building a $1.4&nbsp;billion tunnel and pumping station to bring water from [[Lake Mead]], has purchased water rights throughout Nevada, and has planned a controversial $3.2&nbsp;billion [[Water transportation|pipeline]] across half the state. By law, the Las Vegas Water Service District "may deny any request for a water commitment or request for a water connection if the District has an inadequate supply of water." But limiting growth on the basis of an inadequate water supply has been unpopular with the casino and building industries.<ref name=":0" />