Quality of Life Indicators
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Clean & Available Water Data
A "living river" system helps improve Truckee River water quality for many uses from drinking water to recreation to wildlife habitat; efficient water consumption and conservation are key to ensuring water sources into the future.
Truckee River water quality -- updated 10/8/10
drinking water quality -- updated 4/21/12
water consumption -- updated 10/11/10
water conservation
Truckee River water quality -- updated 10/8/10
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The federal Environmental Protection Agency has established that the Truckee River is an impaired waterway under the 303 Act, setting the Total Maximum Daily Loads for Phosphorus, Nitrogen, and dissolved solids*. The river pollutants or stressors include temperature, total Phosphorus, and turbidity. In 2006, Truckee River water quality was improved. In low water years, we often see this result. Less water carries fewer pollutants into the river. In our next wet year, we can expect to see increased levels of pollutants. Truckee River
According to the state Department of Environmental Protection, water quality trading in Nevada is currently being implemented among the point sources that discharge to the Las Vegas Wash and the Truckee River. Over the next couple of years, further opportunities for trading in the Truckee River watershed will be investigated. Before trading can occur, pollution sources must be accounted for and their behavior understood. Water quality trading
[Note: For the Truckee River at E. McCarran Bridge, site nutrient and TDS data analysis was discontinued near the end of 1999. This data includes storm, flood and drought years. ]
drinking water quality -- updated 4/21/12
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The majority of Truckee Meadows Water Authority’s (TMWA) water comes from the Truckee River, with additional demand from groundwater from deep-water acquifers (less than 9% of water consumed in 2009-10). This is only 8% of the total flow of the Truckee River in a drought year and less in non-drought years. Water treatment is more expensive than preventing pollution, especially important in a region with less than 7.5” of annual rainfall, but also supporting fish and wildlife habitat and year-round recreation. Consequently, TMWA is a member of the Partnership for Safe Water, implementing prevention programs where legislation and regulation does not exist, to increase drinking water protection against microbial contamination. TMWA’s drinking water has been in complete compliance with all EPA and State of Nevada standards and regulations since 2000.
Washoe County’s Department of Water Resources water quality reports (Arrowcreek, Desert Springs (Spanish Springs), Double Diamond, Hidden Valley, Horizon Hills, Lemmon Valley, Lightning W, Mt. Rose, Old Washoe, Spring Creek (Spanish Springs), Spring Creek East (Spanish Springs), Stampmill, St. James, South Truckee Meadows General Improvement District (STMGID), Sunrise, Thomas Creek, Timberline, Truckee Canyon) are available by service area by clicking on the department link.
water consumption -- updated 10/11/10
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Water consumption comes down in years of drought, and residential use has not been over 200 gallons per capita per day since the late 1980’s. Usage was up again after the 1997 flood. Water conservation efforts are a key requirement of the region’s agreements under TROA (Truckee River Operating Agreement). Water conservation helps keep the costs down for consumers since we do not have to build a new water treatment plant and we can delay finding new water supply sources. Water demand is dependent upon residential household use, commercial use in the production of goods and services, and irrigation (dependent upon landscaping and weather). As the region grows, the population, housing units and landscaping drive residential demand, the largest component of system use. According to the 2008-2030 Water Resource Plan, based upon water demand and peak day projections, Truckee Meadows Water Authority expects to meet projected retail water use through 2030.
water conservation
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Using our limited water resources wisely is critical in our high desert environment, where the bulk of water supplied goes to residential, summer outdoor watering uses. There is a reduction in annual use per connection during dry years, followed by an increased use per connection in non-dry years, according to July 2007, Truckee Meadows Water Authority, Water Conservation Plan.
According to TMT’s December 2007 community survey of Washoe County residents, 38% reported watering on their assigned days; 23.8% reported having xeriscape landscaping; 11% have installed water saving plumbing (shower heads or toilets); while 5.4% reporting taking no measures to conserve water.