Water Use, Issues, Recreation

Reno's arid climate makes water a topic around which many important issues revolve. Among these are water quality, deciding who gets how much from a finite supply, and the recreational use of water.

Reno tap water is among the highest quality drinking water in the country. Substituting Reno's drinking water for bottled water is a simple way to save money, conserve energy, and help keep a lot trash out of the landfill.

Reno drinking water delivered to our homes is among the best municipal water in the country. Most Reno tap water originates in Lake Tahoe and is drawn from the Truckee River.

Watering only on your assigned days helps conserve water and allows all Reno area residents to share our precious, but not unlimited, water supply.

Water conservation information and drinking water service in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County are supplied by the Truckee Meadows Water Authority. Most of our drinking water comes from the Truckee River, which originates in Lake Tahoe.

The Reno / Tahoe combination of high elevation and hot summers results in some rigorous outdoor conditions. The arrival of summer heat doesn't necessarily mean area waters have warmed up. Learn how this works and your visits to area lakes and rivers will be enjoyable rather than tragic.

The Truckee River flood plain includes much of Reno and Sparks. Learn how to be prepared for flooding and what's being done to control the risk.

The Truckee River runs swift and cold in spring, even after warm weather arrives. Safe, common sense precautions will help keep a day of enjoying the water from turning tragic. This is especially true when small children are involved. They are least likely to be aware of the danger lurking in the alluring water of the Truckee River.