...i'd still hate to see the electric bill for vegas.

NPR aired an interesting piece yesterday concerning water consumption in the western states, particularly Nevada. THe focus of the story was on Patricia Mulroy, Las Vegas' "water czar."

For those who are not in-the-know, water has basically become a commodity; not just in the desert either. Some regions do not have enough water of their own and must buy water from elsewhere. This is why Las Vegas offers tax incentives for locals to forego a traditional lawn, in favor of non-water-dependent landscaping.

Outsiders might think the tourism is one of the key factors in high water consumption in Vegas. Not so, according to Mulroy. Here is Mulroy's money quote from the story:

"The entire Las Vegas Strip uses 3 percent of our water resources," she says. "And they are the economic driver in the state of Nevada, bar none."

Shocking, perhaps. But I still would hate to see the electric bill for the Strip. I digress.

Here's the rest of the story (including audio) on Patricia Mulroy and water in Vegas, Stakes High for Las Vegas Water Czar