News Summary
Las Vegas has launched two initiatives aimed at enhancing safety in older homes. Targeting lead-hazard assessments and water leak repairs, these programs focus on protecting children in residences built before 1978. Through a grant, eligible homeowners can access free lead assessments, while assistance for water leaks offers up to $7,500 for repairs, fostering local job opportunities. The city aims to combat lead poisoning risks, particularly among vulnerable populations, and emphasizes the need for testing and ongoing preventive measures.
Las Vegas has launched two significant initiatives aimed at improving the health and safety of older homes in the city. These programs specifically target lead-hazard assessments and remediation for residences built before 1978, as well as assistance for repairing active water leaks. Both initiatives are focused on safeguarding the well-being of small children living in these homes.
The city has been awarded a 48-month grant by the Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes to develop effective methods to reduce lead-based paint hazards. As a result, eligible households can benefit from a free lead-hazard assessment and remediation program. To qualify, homeowners or property owners must reside within the Las Vegas city limits and have a child under six years old who lives in or frequently visits the home. Additionally, families must meet HUD income guidelines to participate in this program.
This initiative addresses a pressing issue, as approximately 25% of homes in Nevada were constructed before the 1978 federal ban on lead-based paint. According to data from the Southern Nevada Health District, there is a notably higher risk of lead poisoning among Latino and Hispanic children in Clark County due to various environmental and social factors. Thus, the city’s commitment to lead hazard control aims to mitigate these risks effectively.
In a complementary move, Las Vegas has partnered with the Las Vegas Valley Water District to assist residents in repairing water leaks. Homeowners can receive financial assistance of up to $7,500 for repairs of service line leaks that connect their homes to the water meters. Funding for this program comes from excess usage charges paid by the highest water users in the utility system. The water leak repair initiative not only aims to help residents but also seeks to create local job opportunities by employing union labor from Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Service Technicians Local 525 for the repair work.
Landlords who receive lead-hazard services are required to prioritize families with children under six years old if their property becomes vacant within three years of receiving assistance. For the water leak repair program, eligible homes must be the primary residence of the homeowner and be located within city limits. Similar to the lead-hazard program, households must earn less than 80% of the area median income to qualify for water assistance, with specific income limits tied to household size.
Despite the efforts to address lead exposure, Nevada ranks low in childhood blood lead level testing, with only about 3% of children being tested annually. The Southern Nevada Health District remains the sole regional entity with staff specialized in conducting environmental lead assessments.
It is worth noting that similar lead hazard control initiatives have been implemented in Henderson since 2023, focusing on homes built before 1978, highlighting a regional commitment to address this public health issue.
Residents interested in participating in these programs can contact the city at 702-229-4835 or reach out via email for lead paint services. Applications for water leak assistance are processed through the partnership channels established with the Las Vegas Valley Water District.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Las Vegas Launches Homeowner Assistance Programs
Las Vegas Housing Market Cools Amid Rising Inventory
Brush Fire Expands Near William G. Bennett Airfield Park
Fire Breaks Out Near Las Vegas Strip, Response Ongoing
India’s Growing E-Waste Challenge
Additional Resources
- KTNV News
- Wikipedia: Lead paint
- Hoodline
- Google Search: Las Vegas lead paint program
- 8 News Now
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public health
- MSN Money
- Google News: Las Vegas water leak program
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
