A group of homeowners has filed a class-action lawsuit against the Las Vegas Valley Water District, alleging the agency has imposed excessive water use charges without due process while residents watch their yards, trees, and plants die. The lawsuit came into focus this week at a Las Vegas Valley Water District Board of Directors meeting. … According to the lawsuit, the Las Vegas Valley Water District has collected more than $96 million from residential users since the excess use fee began in 2023. The suit contends that money should be returned to homeowners. … The lawsuit also points to a new state law taking effect at the end of the year that mandates the removal of non-functional grass anywhere served by the Southern Nevada Water Authority, with the exception of single-family homes. 

Other drought impact and response news:

• The Salt Lake Tribune: Utah’s drought-stricken baby deer population needs an unexpected condition to survive
• TownLift (Park City, Utah): Drought, dwindling food sources making Utah’s bears bolder, wildlife officials warn
• Denver Gazette (Colo.): Drought resulting in stinky and bad-tasting drinking water in 17,000-resident Colorado city
• Denver Gazette (Colo.): What does drought mean for fall colors in Colorado?