Lead Service Lines in Reno, NV
Reno is served by 74 water systems, with the Truckee Meadows Water Authority supplying water to about 442,000 people—the vast majority of the city. The good news: current data shows no confirmed lead service lines have been identified in Reno's inventories. However, "not yet found" is different from "definitely not present," especially in older neighborhoods.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are pipes that connect the water main under the street to your home. If present, they can leach lead into your drinking water, especially in homes built before the 1980s. Lead exposure carries real health risks, particularly for young children and pregnant people. Nevada requires water utilities to maintain inventories of these lines, but data collection is ongoing in many areas.
What Reno utilities report
The largest providers serving Reno—including Truckee Meadows Water Authority (442,000 people), Great Basin Water Co. Cold Springs (9,650 people), and smaller systems—have not reported known lead service lines in their current inventories. That said, many utilities are still in the process of identifying and mapping their service lines, so the full picture may take time to complete.
Your home: what you can do now
If your home was built before 1990, assume it might have a lead service line. The only way to know for certain is to have your water tested or your pipes inspected. Even with a lead service line, you can reduce exposure:
- Test your water. Use an EPA-certified lab or ask your utility about free testing.
- Flush the pipes. Let water run for 30 seconds to 2 minutes each morning before using it for drinking or cooking.
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking; hot water dissolves lead faster.
- Install a certified filter if testing shows elevated lead.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Truckee Meadows Water Authority or your local utility directly to ask about the service line material at your address.
- Request a free or low-cost water test through your utility.
- Visit the EPA's lead in drinking water page for testing guidance and treatment options.
- If you have children under 6 or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or doctor about lead exposure risks.