Total dissolved solids contribution to the Colorado river associated with the growth of Las Vegas valley

A. K. Venkatesan, S. Ahmad, J. R. Batista, W. S. Johnson

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

In the past 38 years, the Las Vegas Valley (LVV) in Nevada has grown tremendously from a population of 273,288 (1970) to 1,986,146 (2008). This increase in population is coupled with exponential water demands and wastewater generation. With the growth of the valley, the salinity release from households and large hotel resorts has increased the level of TDS in the wastewater effluent, ultimately increasing the TDS in Lake Mead and Colorado River. In this research, a dynamic simulation model was developed to estimate TDS discharge into the Colorado River from the Las Vegas metropolitan area. Future per capita water uses for LVV were used to estimate future salinity discharges. The results revealed that with water conservation efforts, the TDS concentration in LVW will increase by about 14% in the year 2035. Reduction to 10% of the population using water softeners by the year 2035 will reduce TDS concentration by 126 mg/L.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationWorld Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2010
Subtitle of host publicationChallenges of Change - Proceedings of the World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2010
Pages3376-3385
Number of pages10
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010
Externally publishedYes
EventWorld Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2010: Challenges of Change - Providence, RI, United States
Duration: May 16 2010May 20 2010

Publication series

NameWorld Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2010: Challenges of Change - Proceedings of the World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2010

Conference

ConferenceWorld Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2010: Challenges of Change
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityProvidence, RI
Period5/16/105/20/10

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Water Science and Technology

Keywords

  • Colorado River
  • Dissolved solids
  • Nevada
  • Wastewater management
  • Water demand

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