Lead Service Lines at Truckee Meadows Water Authority

What you need to know

Truckee Meadows Water Authority serves about 442,000 people across the Reno-Sparks area in Nevada. Like many US water systems, TMWA may have lead service lines—the underground pipes that connect the public water main to individual homes.

A lead service line is a direct pathway for lead to enter your drinking water. Even "low" lead levels can pose health risks, especially for young children and pregnant people. The good news: you can take steps to protect your family right now, whether or not your home has a lead line.

Current inventory status

TMWA has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in its system. This means the utility doesn't yet have a definitive count of how many lead lines exist in their service area—or which specific addresses have them.

This is not unusual. The EPA only recently required all water systems to complete lead service line inventories by October 2024 (with some extensions available). Many utilities nationwide are still finishing this work.

What happens next

Federal law now requires TMWA to:

• Complete a full inventory of all service lines and identify which are lead
• Create a plan to replace lead service lines over time
• Provide you with information about your property's line if you ask

The utility is required to provide public updates on their progress. Check back regularly or contact TMWA directly to ask about their timeline.

Protect your water now

You don't need to wait for the full inventory to take action:

• Get your water tested. A simple test ($20–50) tells you if lead is present in your tap water right now. Contact your local health department or TMWA for lab referrals.
• Use a filter. NSF-certified filters designed for lead removal work quickly and are inexpensive. Look for NSF/ANSI Standard 53 on the packaging.
• Flush your tap. Run cold water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking or cooking if the water hasn't been used for several hours.
• Check for lead paint and dust in older homes—they're often bigger sources of childhood lead exposure than water.

If you have health concerns, talk to your pediatrician or contact the CDC's lead hotline.

Next steps for residents

• Contact TRUCKEE MEADOWS WATER AUTHORITY to ask about your service line and request a water test
• Request a free or low-cost lead test through your local Nevada health district
• Install a point-of-use water filter rated for lead if you want added protection while awaiting test results
• Ask TMWA when they expect to publish their lead service line inventory and replacement schedule

```json [ { "q": "Does Truckee Meadows Water Authority have lead service lines?", "a": "The utility has not yet completed its full inventory, so a definitive answer isn't available yet. However, lead service lines are common in many older water systems. Contact TMWA to ask about your specific address and request a water test." }, { "q": "How do I know if my house has a lead service line?", "a": "Ask your water utility directly—they are now required to tell you. You can also hire a plumber to inspect the line at your meter or where it enters your home, or have your water tested for lead as an indicator." }, { "q": "Is lead in water dangerous for kids?", "a": "Yes. Lead can harm a child's brain development and learning even at low levels. If you're concerned, talk to your pediatrician and contact the CDC for guidance. A water test is the first step to know if lead is present." }, { "q": "What do I do if my water tests positive for lead?", "a": "Use an NSF-certified filter designed for lead removal, run water before drinking/cooking, and contact your