Reno’s drinking water is managed by the Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA), a community-owned utility serving the Reno-Sparks area. Understanding the source, regulatory status, and specific characteristics of this water provides a clear answer to the question of its safety.
Where Reno’s Water Comes From
The majority of Reno’s water supply, approximately 80 to 85 percent, originates as surface water from the Truckee River system. This river is fed by snowmelt and rain throughout the Sierra Nevada, beginning its journey at Lake Tahoe. The water flows through various reservoirs, which help manage supply and quality before it reaches the treatment facilities.
To supplement this primary source, especially during periods of high demand or drought, TMWA utilizes over 90 deep-water wells. These wells draw from groundwater aquifers within the service area. All water, whether from the river or the ground, is centrally treated at facilities like the Chalk Bluff and Glendale Water Treatment Plants before distribution. The combination of surface and groundwater sources directly influences the natural mineral profile of the water.
Official Safety Verdict and Regulatory Compliance
The official verdict on the safety of Reno’s tap water is that it consistently meets or exceeds all federal and state requirements. TMWA operates under the strict guidelines of the Safe Drinking Water Act, which is enforced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection. This compliance means that all water delivered to customers must be below the legally defined Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for regulated substances.
TMWA’s water treatment facilities have earned national recognition for operational excellence. The primary public document detailing this compliance is the annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). This report informs residents about the source of their water and compares detected contaminant levels against established health standards, confirming that the water is legally safe for consumption.
Addressing Specific Local Concerns
While the water is compliant, several characteristics lead to frequent public questioning about its overall quality. The most common aesthetic issue is water hardness, which is caused by the presence of naturally-occurring minerals like calcium and magnesium. This mineral content is generally higher when more groundwater is blended into the supply, and while it creates scale buildup on fixtures and appliances, it poses no known health risk.
A more serious concern relates to lead contamination, which is not present in the municipal water supply itself. The risk arises from aging infrastructure within private property, specifically service lines, fixtures, or internal plumbing solder installed before 1986. TMWA works to maintain its public lines, but homeowners with older pipes bear responsibility for the water quality inside their homes. Flushing the tap after long periods of inactivity helps to minimize potential exposure from these private sources.
Taste and odor issues are also common, often attributed to the use of sodium hypochlorite disinfectant. This chlorination can sometimes produce a faint bleach smell, which is often more noticeable with warmer water temperatures. Seasonal taste variations, such as an earthy or musty odor, can also occur, typically in late summer or early fall, due to natural algae blooms in the Truckee River source. Despite the temporary change in flavor, the water remains monitored and safe to drink.
Practical Steps for Consumer Confidence
Residents seeking to improve the aesthetic quality of their water or gain additional peace of mind have several actionable options. For those sensitive to the taste or odor of chlorine, simple activated carbon filters, available in pitchers or as faucet attachments, effectively adsorb the residual disinfectant. Another easy approach is to simply let tap water sit in an open container in the refrigerator for a few hours, allowing the chlorine to dissipate naturally into the air.
For individuals with specific concerns, such as living in an older home, professional water testing is advisable to check for substances like lead. Advanced filtration systems, such as reverse osmosis units, can remove a broader range of regulated and unregulated contaminants, providing the highest level of purification. Consulting the TMWA’s Water Quality Department can also help residents access neighborhood-specific data and determine the most appropriate steps for their household.