Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Reno?
Yes, tap water in Reno is safe to drink and is considered some of the better-tasting municipal water in the West. Most of it is Truckee River water fed by Lake Tahoe, treated by the Truckee Meadows Water Authority to meet all EPA standards.
Water Source
The Truckee Meadows Water Authority draws roughly 80–90% of supply from the Truckee River, which carries Lake Tahoe and Sierra snowmelt water, treated at the Chalk Bluff and Glendale plants, with groundwater wells covering peak demand.
EPA Compliance Status
Meets all federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
Notable Contaminants & Context
- •No significant source-water concerns; the Sierra-fed Truckee runs clean and cold
- •Some valley groundwater wells carry naturally higher arsenic and are treated or blended to stay compliant
- •Disinfection byproducts are monitored and kept within EPA limits
Water Quality Data
Key contaminants detected vs. regulatory limits. All values from the most recent published report — Source: Truckee Meadows Water Authority 2024 CCR.
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorine (total) | 1.1 mg/L | 4.0 mg/L | ✓ |
| Fluoride | 0.71 mg/L | 4.0 mg/L | ✓ |
| Lead (90th percentile) | 2.3 µg/L | 15.0 µg/L | ✓ |
| Nitrate (as N) | 1.8 mg/L | 10.0 mg/L | ✓ |
| TTHM (Total Trihalomethanes) | 22.6 µg/L | 80.0 µg/L | ✓ |
| HAA5 (Haloacetic Acids) | 15.1 µg/L | 60.0 µg/L | ✓ |
✓ = below limit ⚠ = above health goal ✗ = exceeds guideline
How It Compares
Reno's Sierra snowmelt source gives it softer, lower-mineral water than most of Nevada — a sharp contrast with Las Vegas's very hard Lake Mead supply.
Tips
- •No filter is needed for safety; many residents drink it straight for the taste
- •Summer well use can slightly change taste in some neighborhoods
- •TMWA publishes annual water quality reports and drought status online
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & References
The safety rating and guidance on this page draw on the following sources. See our full methodology.
- •US EPA Safe Drinking Water Act regulations
- •EWG Tap Water Database
- •The utility's most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)
- •WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality