Washoe County, NV Water Use Rules: Leak Reporting Duty (2026)
Key Facts
- Repair window
- 24 hours after personal notice
- Governing section
- WCC 40.180(2)
- Enforcement agencies
- Community Services Dept. & TMWA
- Violation type
- Civil infraction, not misdemeanor
- Appeal deadline
- 10 days to justice court
Summary
In unincorporated Washoe County, a water customer given 24 hours' personal notice to fix a leaking pipe or plumbing fixture must complete the repair within that window. Under WCC 40.180(2), continuing to draw water through a meter after that notice period without finishing the repair is legally classified as unlawful "waste of water," triggering a civil infraction.
2.Use of water through any meter or other facility when the customer or his agent or representative responsible for the use of such water has been given 24 hours' personal notice to repair one or more leaks in any piping system or any plumbing fixture connected directly or indirectly to such meter or other facility and such customer or his agent or representative has failed to complete such repairs.3.Using water or permitting the use of water in violation of any notice served on any person by the director of community services or his agent or representative as provided in sections 40.010 to 40.266, inclusive.4.Using water in violation of any of the paragraphs of subsection 2 of section 40.230 after an emergency has been established by action of the board in accordance with the procedure set forth in section 40.230.5.The washing of automobiles, trucks, trailers or any other type of mobile equipment, except in washing facilities operating with a water recycling system or using a nonpotable water source approved by the director of community services with a prominently displayed sign in public view so stating, except where required by health and sanitary regulation, and except with a hose to which a self-closing nozzle is attached. (Ord. No. 347, § 4; Ord. No. 822; Ord. No. 950; Ord. No. 971; Ord. No. 1546, § 4, 11-12-14, eff. 11-21-14)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 20 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
266, treats a failure to fix a known leak as one of the classified forms of prohibited water waste. 180(2), once a customer or the customer's agent has received 24 hours' personal notice to repair a leak in piping or a plumbing fixture connected to the meter, continued use of water through that connection without completing the repair is presumed wasteful. 266. 220 to issue notices and enforce the chapter. 260 requires a written notice of infraction naming the location, date, section violated, and hearing date, served personally or posted on the property.
260(7), both the customer and the property owner can be held liable for the fine unless the owner shows the waste occurred without permission; an owner who pays can recover the amount from the occupant. 266.
Violations & Fines
Failing to repair a leak within the 24-hour notice period is a civil infraction under WCC 40.260, not a criminal charge. The county issues a written notice of infraction specifying the violation and hearing date; the customer or property owner is liable for the fine set under WCC 40.266. Fines may be appealed to justice court within ten days of payment (WCC 40.265), and unpaid fines can be pursued as a civil judgment after 40 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to fix a leak after Washoe County notifies me?
Who enforces the leak-repair notice in unincorporated Washoe County?
Can I appeal a water-waste fine for an unrepaired leak?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Washoe County
Compare Washoe County to another location·View the Nevada water use rules overview
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