Reno – Nevada – Water Quality Report 2025: PFAS Testing, Infrastructure Concerns & Safety across your city
Reno’s water system is managed by the Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA), a not-for-profit, community-owned utility that serves over 425,000 residents across the greater Reno-Sparks area. TMWA operates and maintains more than 2,000 miles of distribution pipes, 93 wells, and two surface water treatment facilities, delivering approximately 90 million gallons of water daily during peak summer months to the high desert metropolitan region.
Reno’s drinking water primarily comes from the Truckee River, which flows from pristine Lake Tahoe, supplemented by groundwater from deep wells throughout the valley. The system benefits from the exceptional quality of the Truckee River headwaters, enhanced by comprehensive watershed protection programs coordinated with multiple agencies across the Nevada-California border. Reno’s water has consistently received high marks for taste and quality, though the region faces challenges related to drought resilience and sustainable water management. TMWA has implemented innovative conservation initiatives, aquifer storage and recovery programs, and treatment upgrades to ensure reliable water delivery in this arid environment.
Reno Water Quality: Current Status (2024-2025)
Latest Testing Results
- Lead Levels: The most recent testing period (January-December 2023) showed 90th percentile lead levels of 4.2 parts per billion (ppb), significantly below the EPA action level of 15 ppb, reflecting the relatively newer infrastructure in many parts of the system.
- Testing Scope: TMWA conducts over 25,000 water quality tests annually throughout the system, with enhanced monitoring during periods of drought and seasonal river flow changes.
- Compliance Status: Reno’s water meets or exceeds all federal and state drinking water standards, maintaining full compliance with EPA and Nevada Division of Environmental Protection regulations.
High-Quality Source Waters
- Truckee River System: Primary source (85% of supply) originates at Lake Tahoe, one of the clearest, purest lakes in the world, and flows through protected watersheds before reaching Reno-Sparks.
- Groundwater Resources: Secondary source (15% of supply) comes from a network of deep wells that tap high-quality aquifers throughout the Truckee Meadows region.
- Watershed Protection: Collaborative multi-agency efforts maintain source water quality through development restrictions, forest management, and recreational use guidelines across the Lake Tahoe Basin and Truckee River Corridor.
Advanced Treatment Technology
- Modern Treatment Facilities: Chalk Bluff and Glendale treatment plants utilize multi-stage treatment processes including coagulation, sedimentation, multi-media filtration, and advanced disinfection.
- UV Disinfection: State-of-the-art ultraviolet light treatment provides additional pathogen inactivation while reducing chemical disinfection byproducts.
- Corrosion Control: Optimized pH adjustment and mineral balance prevent metal leaching from pipes, with special consideration for Reno’s naturally hard water composition.
Drought Resilience Infrastructure
- Aquifer Storage & Recovery: Innovative program stores treated surface water in underground aquifers during wet periods for use during drought, with 13 injection wells throughout the system.
- System Interconnections: Strategic pipeline networks allow water to be moved between different parts of the system to optimize resources and respond to seasonal demand changes.
- Smart Water Management: Advanced metering infrastructure with real-time consumption monitoring and leak detection helps conserve water in this high desert environment.
Customer Support Programs
TMWA provides comprehensive customer assistance including free water efficiency evaluations, conservation incentive programs, and payment assistance for qualified residents. The utility’s Water Quality Assurance Program offers complimentary water testing services, while educational outreach helps residents understand responsible water use in the arid high desert environment. TMWA’s commitment to sustainability includes aggressive leak detection programs, xeriscaping incentives, and infrastructure improvements prioritized for maximum conservation impact. The utility’s forward-thinking approach to water management ensures reliable delivery even during extended drought periods, protecting this essential resource for current and future generations in Northern Nevada.
Recommendations for Reno Residents
Request Water Testing
TMWA offers free water quality testing through its Water Quality Assurance Program. Call (775) 834-8080 or visit tmwa.com/waterquality to schedule testing, especially for homes built before 1989.
Practice Water Conservation
Participate in TMWA’s Water Efficient Landscape Program for rebates on xeriscaping conversions. Visit tmwa.com/conservation or call (775) 834-8005 to schedule a free water efficiency consultation.
Consider Home Filtration
While Reno’s water meets all safety standards, some residents prefer additional filtration for taste or peace of mind. Choose NSF-certified filters appropriate for your specific concerns.
Follow Watering Guidelines
Adhere to assigned watering days based on your address (odd/even system). Water before 11 a.m. or after 7 p.m. to minimize evaporation in Reno’s dry climate. Adjust irrigation seasonally and use smart controllers for optimal efficiency.
Report Water Issues
Contact TMWA immediately for water main breaks, pressure problems, or quality concerns at (775) 834-8090. For water waste reports, use the TMWA mobile app or call the water waste hotline at (775) 834-8005.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Reno’s tap water safe to drink?
Yes, Reno’s tap water is safe to drink and consistently meets or exceeds all federal and state drinking water standards. TMWA’s water comes from the pristine Truckee River originating at Lake Tahoe and undergoes comprehensive treatment including filtration, UV disinfection, and chlorination.
Reno benefits from exceptional source water quality and relatively newer infrastructure than many cities. Recent testing shows 90th percentile lead levels at just 4.2 ppb, well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb. The water is moderately hard due to natural mineral content, which some residents notice as calcium deposits but poses no health concerns. TMWA provides free water quality testing for residents with specific concerns about their home’s water.
How does Reno handle drought conditions?
TMWA has developed a comprehensive drought management strategy that ensures water reliability even during extended dry periods:
1. Upstream Reserves: Dedicated drought storage in upstream reservoirs provides multiple years of backup supply
2. Groundwater Integration: 93 production wells supplement river water during peak demand or drought periods
3. Aquifer Storage and Recovery: Treated water is injected into aquifers during winter for use in summer
4. Conservation Programs: Tiered rate structures and conservation initiatives have reduced per capita water use by 25% since 2000
5. Drought Response Plan: Staged approach with clear triggers for implementation of increasingly stringent conservation measures
These measures ensure that even during persistent drought conditions, Reno maintains sufficient water supply without compromising quality.
Why does Reno’s water sometimes taste different?
Several factors can affect the taste of Reno’s water:
• Seasonal variations: During spring runoff, higher river flows can change mineral content
• Source switching: Some neighborhoods may receive different blends of surface water and groundwater depending on demand and operational needs
• Natural minerals: Reno’s water is moderately hard (containing calcium and magnesium), giving it a distinctive taste that some notice, especially newcomers
• Disinfection: Chlorine levels are maintained for safety throughout the system, though they’re kept at minimum effective levels
All these variations are normal and safe. For those sensitive to taste, refrigerating water or using a simple carbon filter can improve flavor while maintaining beneficial minerals.
What are the watering restrictions in Reno?
Reno maintains year-round watering guidelines with additional seasonal restrictions:
Year-Round Rules:
• No watering during precipitation or when temperatures are below freezing
• No excess runoff or water flowing into gutters/streets
• Repair leaking irrigation systems promptly
Seasonal Schedule (April through October):
• Even-numbered addresses: water on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
• Odd-numbered addresses: water on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays
• No watering between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. (high evaporation hours)
• No landscape watering on Mondays (system recovery day)
During severe drought, additional restrictions may be implemented. Current watering status is available at tmwa.com or by calling (775) 834-8005.
Contaminants of Concern
Arsenic
Source: Naturally occurring in Nevada’s geology, particularly in certain groundwater sources. More common in deep wells than surface water
Health Effects: Long-term exposure to elevated levels can increase risk of certain cancers, skin disorders, and cardiovascular issues
Current Levels: Average of 3.2 ppb in TMWA’s system, well below the EPA standard of 10 ppb EPA Limit: Maximum Contaminant Level of 10 ppb
Water Hardness (Calcium & Magnesium)
Source: Naturally occurring minerals dissolved from rock formations in the Sierra Nevada mountains and local geology
Effects: Not a health concern but can cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances; may affect taste and soap effectiveness
Current Status: Reno’s water is moderately hard (averaging 130-170 mg/L as calcium carbonate). This level is not regulated as it poses no health risk, though some residents choose to use water softeners for household purposes
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