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Reno, NV Water Use Rules: Leak Reporting Duty (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

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

Summary

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.

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 maintenance and engineering or his agent or representative as provided in this chapter;(4)Using water in violation of any of the conditions restricting the use of water as set forth in sections 12.14.085(B) and 12.14.095;(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 maintenance and engineering director with a prominently displayed sign in public view so stating, except where required by health and sanitary regulations, and except from a bucket or other container not exceeding a three gallon capacity used in conjunction with a hose to which a self-closing nozzle is attached. (Code 1966, §§ 11.64.030, 11.64.040; Ord. No. 2725, § 1, 1-8-79; Ord. No. 4068, § 1, 3-26-91; Ord. No. 4297, § 1, 3-23-92; Ord. No. 4613, § 1, 4-9-96)

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Administrative Code: Supplement 64 | Land Development Code: Supplement 5 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

Under Reno Municipal Code Chapter 12.14, using water through a meter or facility after the customer has received 24 hours' personal notice to repair a leak in piping or a plumbing fixture, and failing to complete that repair, is prima facie evidence of water waste. For accidental breaks (a burst hose, pipe, or irrigation line) the director of maintenance and engineering must first give personal notice directing correction within 24 hours before a violation can be found. The public works department and Truckee Meadows Water Authority enforce the chapter within their service territories, along with Reno police officers.

Violations & Fines

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to fix a leak after Reno notifies me?
24 hours from personal notice to repair leaks in piping or plumbing fixtures, per RMC § 12.14.050(B)(2); failing to complete repairs in that window is treated as water waste.
Who enforces Reno's leak and water-waste rules?
The city public works department and, within its service territory, the Truckee Meadows Water Authority, plus Reno police officers under RMC § 12.14.040.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Reno

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