Interestingly the Las Vegas Wash above Homestead Weir near Henderson might not be what you expect. It is not just a ditch but a vital part of the Las Vegas Valley’s ecosystem. This 12-mile stream feeds excess water into Lake Mead.
The Las Vegas Wash above Homestead Weir near Henderson acts like an urban river. It exists because of the city’s population. This wash works with the wetlands to form a unique oasis. Urban runoff, shallow groundwater, reclaimed water and stormwater feed the wash.
Before development, the Las Vegas Wash above Homestead Weir near Henderson handled rainwater well. But when the first sewage plant opened, flows increased. This caused the channel to expand and erode its banks. The erosion deepened the channel. It drained the wetlands and sent more silt into Lake Mead. Fewer migratory birds visited. Water quality decreased due to fewer native plants. Invasive species like African Tamarisk thrived.
The wetlands act as natural kidneys. They clean the water flowing through them. These wetlands filter out harmful residues. Fertilizers, oils and other contaminants are removed. The Las Vegas Wash above Homestead Weir near Henderson plays a critical role in this process.
Near Las Vegas Bay, the wash goes under Lake Las Vegas. It passes through two seven-foot pipes.
The Southern Nevada Water Authority is working to reduce erosion on the Las Vegas Wash above Homestead Weir near Henderson. A 2.6 million dollar project aims to fix “aquatic speed bumps”. These weirs slow the flow of water. Regular maintenance is needed. Vegetation can grow on the weirs causing cracks and affecting water quality.
The Las Vegas Wash above Homestead Weir near Henderson carries over 200 million gallons daily. There are 21 weirs along the wash. Most are made of rip-rap rock and recycled concrete. Sediment builds on the rock. Water weaves around instead of flowing straight.
Since weir construction began in 1998, sediment in Lake Mead has reduced by about 70 percent. Preventing erosion protects water quality. About 90% of the water is treated wastewater. The rest is groundwater and urban runoff. Removing invasive plants is a top priority. The project also reinforces the bank near the Nature Center.
Native Americans used the area to store food. These structures have been rebuilt at the Clark County History Museum.
The Las Vegas Wash above Homestead Weir near Henderson has changed over time. It was once an ephemeral stream. Human development turned it into a perennial stream. Increased water flow caused erosion. The Las Vegas Wash Coordinating Committee formed in 1998 to address these issues.
The wash helps treat our water. It and the wetlands trap sediment and toxins. The wash constitutes two percent of Lake Mead’s water. Efforts are ongoing to prevent erosion and rebuild habitats. Weirs slow rushing water. Replanting strengthens the ecosystem.
The Las Vegas Wash above Homestead Weir near Henderson is an important resource. Protecting it ensures a healthy future for the Las Vegas Valley.