Reno's Water Use Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles water use rules a little differently. In Reno, Nevada, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Leak Reporting Duty

Reno customers get 24 hours' personal notice to repair a leaking pipe, fixture, or meter connection before the ongoing water use counts as prohibited waste under the city's water conservation code.

Key details: Notice window: 24 hours to repair. First violation fine: No fine. Second violation fine: $25.00. Table fine for unfixed leak: $100.00 (12.14.050 B(2)). Enforced by: Public Works Dept. / TMWA.

A civil infraction citation issues after the 24-hour repair notice expires unaddressed; the customer of record and the property owner are both liable for the civil fine.

Turf Replacement Rebates

Reno restricts installing new sod or hydroseeded lawns during declared water emergencies and limits established lawn irrigation to three assigned days a week under Reno Municipal Code Chapter 12.14, enforced by the public works department and Truckee Meadows Water Authority.

Key details: Watering days: Even Tue/Thu/Sat, odd Wed/Fri/Sun. Summer midday ban: No watering noon-6 p.m., Memorial-Labor Day. Emergency lawn ban: New seeded lawns banned May 16-Sept 15. Enforcement: Public works dept. and TMWA. Penalty: Civil infraction, fine, appealable to municipal court.

Watering on the wrong day, letting water run to waste, or planting/installing a new lawn during a declared emergency ban is a civil infraction. The public works department issues a notice of infraction and civil fine, appealable to Reno Municipal Court.

Recycled Water Rules

Reno's Public Works Department supplies reclaimed water at city truck-fill stations for construction water trucks and other approved uses, run under Reno Municipal Code Chapter 12.24.

Key details: Usage rate: $1.84 per 1,000 gallons. Quarterly minimum charge: $25.00. Truck fill card setup fee: $25.00 one-time. Administered by: Reno Public Works Department. Termination for nonpayment: after 30 days past due.

Wasting or negligently using reclaimed water, or violating the effluent management plan or discharge permit, can get service discontinued; unpaid bills more than 30 days past due allow termination after five days' written notice.

The Bottom Line

Reno's water use rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Reno is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Reno can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.