- EPA announces $128 million for Reno’s new water facility.
- Construction begins in 2025 at OneWater Nevada’s facility at American Flat.
- Facility will produce 2 million gallons of drinking water daily.
- Project utilizes advanced water purification processes.
- Collaboration aims to enhance water sustainability in Nevada.
October 30, 2024 — In a significant step toward securing Nevada’s water future, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on October 24, 2024
, that it will provide $128 million in funding to assist the City of Reno and the Truckee Meadows Water Authority in constructing the OneWater Nevada Advanced Purified Water Facility at American Flat. Scheduled to break ground in 2025, the facility is designed to produce high-quality drinking water to meet and sustain the region’s growing needs.
Funding and Support.
The funding package includes $55 million through the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, $70 million via the state’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund, and $3 million through Congressionally directed spending sponsored by Senator Rosen and Senator Cortez Masto. Additionally, the project has received $30 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding from the Department of Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation and support from area ratepayers.
“EPA is proud to partner in state-of-the-art projects like this that build environmental sustainability and economic resiliency,” said EPA Regional Pacific Southwest Administrator Martha Guzman. “With the leadership of local, state, tribal, and federal partners, the new OneNevada facility will provide long-term benefits to communities in Washoe County.”
Reno Vice Mayor Naomi Duerr expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “This innovative project will provide a sustainable, drought-proof water source for the Biggest Little City, transforming traditional wastewater effluent management into long-term water resiliency and securing reliable resources for our growing community. It’s a shared vision that wouldn’t be possible without the support of our partners.”
Advanced Water Purification.
The OneWater Nevada Advanced Purified Water Facility will process highly treated effluent water from the Reno-Stead Water Reclamation Facility through a multi-step purification system. This includes ozonation, biological carbon filtration, and ultraviolet disinfection. Once purified, the water will be injected into a groundwater aquifer at American Flat, north of Stead Airport. Storing the water in the aquifer provides a natural environmental buffer and additional water-quality benefits.
The facility will comprise an advanced water purification center, six miles of pipeline, and two injection wells at the American Flat Farm. Upon completion, it is expected to produce 2 million gallons of drinking water daily.
A Collaborative Effort for Sustainability.
OneWater Nevada is a collaboration between regional agencies aiming to extend the resiliency and sustainability of local water resources for future generations. By considering the interconnected nature of water systems, the initiative seeks to balance community needs with protecting and preserving natural resources.
Jennifer Carr, Administrator of the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, highlighted the project’s significance: “The Advanced Purified Water Treatment Project at American Flat marks an important milestone for Nevada. As the state’s first category A+ water project, it highlights what can be achieved when working together.”
Nate Allen, Director of Natural Resources at the Truckee Meadows Water Authority, added, “Developing innovative solutions to maintain a robust and reliable water supply is essential as our region faces increasing challenges from population growth and climate change. The funding support we’ve received for this project demonstrates a shared commitment across local, state, and federal levels to address these challenges proactively.”
Image:
Conceptual architectural rendering of the Advanced Purified Water Facility at American Flat via OneWater Nevada.
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