BEFORE YOU PURCHASE A WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM:

Our water quality is significantly better than Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Nevada State Health standards and the mandates of the Safe Drinking Water Act. To insure the highest standards of quality, TMWA water quality staff performs more than 180 tests monthly. Despite TMWA’s rigorous water quality program, you may be approached by someone trying to sell you a home water filtration system.

We wish to equip you with all of the information you need about your drinking water BEFORE you purchase such a system. Here are a couple of places where you can get extensive information on our drinking water:

• TMWA’s Annual Water Quality Report
• Water Quality Lookup Page

If you just don’t like the taste/smell of your water:

Your water is safe. But, if you just don’t like the smell or taste of your tap water, here are a few things you can do before investing in a filtration system:

• Fill a pitcher with water and refrigerate it overnight. In most cases, this dissipates the chlorine-type taste/smell that some people do not like. Make sure you refresh the pitcher every other day.
• Buy an inexpensive pitcher with a filter. These are very popular and they work. They are available at any grocery store, and they also cost a lot less than an installed filtration system. Make sure to follow the directions on filter replacement.

If you would like more information on filtration systems:

Before you purchase a water filtration system, we recommend learning more about the different types of systems, companies, and quality. Filtration systems vary greatly on price, maintenance, flow rate and the ability to filter out organics and lead and improve taste. A Consumer Reports home water system report is available at no cost from Southern Nevada Water Authority. The information available includes a list of all filters and ratings; main water filter companies contact information and Web site; and guidelines to help you choose a filtration system.

What can you do if you have been sold a filtration system based on incorrect information about your water?

First of all, ask if you can return the unit. If you believe you have been mislead about water quality in connection with the sale of any product or have concerns about consumer fraud, we strongly encourage you to contact the Nevada Attorney General’s Office Consumer Affairs Division at 688-1800, or in writing to 4600 Kietzke Lane, Bldg. B, Ste 113, Reno, 89502. You can also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, 322-0657.

How to Identify TMWA Employees:

Please be aware that your water company, Truckee Meadows Water Authority, does not sell water filters or water purification systems for your home. If you receive a telephone call that you are unsure of, ask the caller if he/she is an employee of the Truckee Meadow Water Authority. Also, you can rest assured we will not contact you via email, unless you have contacted us first. How can you identify our crews and staff who might be in your neighborhood? All personnel have security badges, identifying them as TMWA employees. The badges will be easily seen on employees’ shirt pockets. If a badge is not openly visible, ask to see one. If they don’t have one, they are not TMWA employees.

Additional water quality resources:

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides educational information on drinking water standards and requirements. It also lists all water quality violations reported to the EPA.

The American Water Works Association has a very extensive website section on drinking water, safety, education, facts and more.

Note: If you have questions about your water quality and you are a TMWA customer, please contact our water quality staff at 834-8118.