Truckee Meadows Water Authority
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Water Quality

What is a water right?

October 12, 2016

In Nevada, as for most states west of the Mississippi, water is allocated according to the doctrine of prior appropriation (“first in time, first in right”). The doctrine established a right to water by using the water beneficially to irrigate land. The system is based on showing beneficial use over time. Read more about your water rights.

TMWA commonly buys and sells water rights. If you are interested in purchasing or selling water rights, please contact the Water Resource Team at 775-834-8029 or email WaterResourceTeam@tmwa.com.

Additional Links

  • Truckee River Chronology by the Nevada Division of Water Planning, includes operating agreements and the history of water rights.
  • River System Overview
  • Rule 7: Dedication of Water Resources and Will-Serve Commitments

Domestic Wells

If municipal water is not readily available and you are currently on a domestic well that is functioning without problems, TMWA will not require you to connect to its municipal water system.

As a domestic well owner you can convert to water service with your local water purveyor serving your area. There are some restrictions to this, so please contact TMWA for details.

For the buying or selling of water rights, or if you have any questions regarding water rights in general, call the Water Resources Department of TMWA and speak to a water rights technician 775-834-8029.

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1355 Capital Blvd
Reno, Nevada 89502

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775.834.8080

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Truckee Meadows Water Authority is a not-for-profit, community-owned water utility, overseen by elected officials and citizen appointees from Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County.

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