Southern Nevada is one of several southwest areas in an “exceptional” drought – the most severe category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. … The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) responded with a number of water conservation efforts more than two decades ago, including a Water Patrol. About two dozen Water Waste Investigators patrol the city in blue and white vehicles searching for signs of waste. … When the SNWA first started enforcement, about 20% of residents received citations.