Conservation Matters
The Big Picture on Water Conservation
Conservation is a vital component of the region’s integrated water management plan. In normal years, conservation programs help offset peak-use demand, encourage efficiency, and reduce waste.
When water is conserved in the Truckee Meadows, it can not be resold. In normal years, conserved water is either left in the river to benefit downstream users, stored in upstream reservoirs for fish/wildlife purposes, or treated and stored for groundwater recharge efforts.
In short, conservation does not create more water for growth.
In drought years, conservation becomes a major mitigation effort for Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA). Water saved through conservation can be carried over into the next year if drought conditions persist.
Other major benefits of conservation are: lowered costs for wastewater treatment operations, offsetting the need for new water treatment facilities, reducing water costs for consumers, reduces sprinkler run-off, and improving fisheries and habitat.
The single largest use of water year round is summertime sprinkler use. That's why TMWA started its Assigned Watering Days program in 2003. By alternating days for sprinkler usage between odd and even home addresses, this program not only reduces water use but also lessens demand placed on TMWA's delivery infrastructure during the summer.
Programs like this are part of the reason why TMWA's water production is about the same today than it was in 2005, even with population growth that has occurred since then, as shown in the graph below.
Landscaping in the Truckee Meadows
Since our region experiences extreme cold and heat, and averages only 7 inches of rainfall annually, growing a beautiful yard in the Truckee Meadows can be challenging. Yet, it’s not impossible with the right plant selection and preparation.
Plant-selection guidance is based on "hardiness zones" determined by the USDA. Based on average temperature variation and rainfall, the Truckee Meadows has three hardiness zones: 6b, 7a, and 7b. Selecting plants that survive in these zones is a good start to designing a landscape that can thrive with the proper care.
To narrow down options for plants that will work in your hardiness zone, Truckee Meadows Water Authority has a landscape guide that includes a plant selection and search tool to guide your decision-making. It also provides the seven basic horticultural principles, including how to plan and install a water-efficient irrigation system. This helpful resource can also filter selections by plant color, sunlight, bloom times and water requirements.
Participate and Learn
April 2026
Thursday, April 2nd Water Supply Outlook for the Truckee Meadows
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
What do the recent snowpack measurements mean for our local water supply and for this summer’s irrigation season? Kara Steeland, TMWA’s Senior Hydrologist & Watershed Coordinator, will provide context and answer questions about projected river flows and TMWA’s integrated water management approach.
Join the webinar: https://tmwa.zoom.us/j/88559963509
Wednesday, April 8 - Start-up Irrigation Systems (In-person Workshop)
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at 1355 Capital Blvd.
Designed to help you confidently bring your residential irrigation system back online after the cold, winter months. Join Truckee Meadows Water Authority in this one-hour session to acquire the knowledge and skills to become your own lawn watering hero.
Please click HERE to RSVP at least 24 hours prior.
Wednesday, April 15 - Start-up Irrigation Systems (Virtual Workshop)
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Designed to help you confidently bring your residential irrigation system back online after the cold, winter months. Join Truckee Meadows Water Authority in this one-hour session to acquire the knowledge and skills to become your own lawn watering hero.
Join the webinar: https://tmwa.zoom.us/j/82696143523
May 2026
Saturday, May 6 Smart About Water Day - Celebrating 25 Years of Local Water System Control
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Idlewild Park's California Building
Join regional water resource agencies to learn how our regional water resources are managed. There will be activities and family-focused displays and presentations with food trucks onsite. Free to the community and timed to kick off the 25th anniversary for the formation of Truckee Meadows Water Authority!
Wednesday, May 20th Drip System Maintenance Made Easy
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at 1355 Capital Blvd.
Attendees will be introduced to the basic concepts of operating, maintaining and repairing a typical residential drip system.
Attendees must be a minimum of 10 years of age.
Please click HERE to RSVP at least 24 hours prior.
Wednesday, May 27 Sprinkler Maintenance Made Easy (for sprinklers only!)
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at 1355 Capitol Blvd.
Get introduced to the basic concepts of operating, maintaining and repairing a typical residential sprinkler system.
Attendees must be a minimum of 10 years of age.
Please click HERE to RSVP at least 24 hours prior.
June 2026
Wednesday, June 3 Verdi Hydroelectric Power Plant Tour
10 a.m. - 11 a.m. at Verdi Hyrdoelectric Power Plant, 0 Powerhouse Road
Customers are invited to tour the Verdi Hydroelectric Power Plant, which has been producing clean, renewable energy for 100 years. The tours are open to all TMWA customers. Each tour is limited to 20 people.
Please click HERE to RSVP at least 24 hours prior.
Wednesday, June 10 Verdi Hydroelectric Power Plant Tour
10 a.m. - 11 a.m. at Verdi Hyrdoelectric Power Plant, 0 Powerhouse Road
Customers are invited to tour the Verdi Hydroelectric Power Plant, which has been producing clean, renewable energy for 100 years. The tours are open to all TMWA customers. Each tour is limited to 20 people.
Please click HERE to RSVP at least 24 hours prior.
Saturday, June 13 Verdi Hydroelectric Power Plant Tour
10 a.m. - 11 a.m. at Verdi Hyrdoelectric Power Plant, 0 Powerhouse Road
Customers are invited to tour the Verdi Hydroelectric Power Plant, which has been producing clean, renewable energy for 100 years. The tours are open to all TMWA customers. Each tour is limited to 20 people.
Please click HERE to RSVP at least 24 hours prior.
Wednesday, June 17 Verdi Hydroelectric Power Plant Tour
2 p.m. - 3 p.m. at Verdi Hyrdoelectric Power Plant, 0 Powerhouse Road
Customers are invited to tour the Verdi Hydroelectric Power Plant, which has been producing clean, renewable energy for 100 years. The tours are open to all TMWA customers. Each tour is limited to 20 people.
Please click HERE to RSVP at least 24 hours prior.
Wednesday, June 24 Verdi Hydroelectric Power Plant Tour
2:00 - 3:00 p.m. at Verdi Hyrdoelectric Power Plant, 0 Powerhouse Road
Customers are invited to tour the Verdi Hydroelectric Power Plant, which has been producing clean, renewable energy for 100 years. The tours are open to all TMWA customers. Each tour is limited to 20 people.
Please click HERE to RSVP at least 24 hours prior.
September 2026
Tuesday, September 1 Chalk Bluff Water Treatment Plant Tour
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Chalk Bluff Water Treatment Plant
Tour with experts who will explain the water treatment and distribution processes, as well as discuss current challenges and answer your questions. Each session is limited to 20 people.
Please click HERE to RSVP at least 24 hours prior.
Tuesday, September 8 Chalk Bluff Water Treatment Plant Tour
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. at Chalk Bluff Water Treatment Plant
Tour with experts who will explain the water treatment and distribution processes, as well as discuss current challenges and answer your questions. Each session is limited to 20 people.
Please click HERE to RSVP at least 24 hours prior.
Tuesday, September 15 Chalk Bluff Water Treatment Plant Tour
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. at Chalk Bluff Water Treatment Plant
Tour with experts who will explain the water treatment and distribution processes, as well as discuss current challenges and answer your questions. Each session is limited to 20 people.
Please click HERE to RSVP at least 24 hours prior.
Tuesday, September 22 Chalk Bluff Water Treatment Plant Tour
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. at Chalk Bluff Water Treatment Plant
Tour with experts who will explain the water treatment and distribution processes, as well as discuss current challenges and answer your questions. Each session is limited to 20 people.
Please click HERE to RSVP at least 24 hours prior.
Saturday, September 26 Chalk Bluff Water Treatment Plant Tour
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at Chalk Bluff Water Treatment Plant
Tour with experts who will explain the water treatment and distribution processes, as well as discuss current challenges and answer your questions. Each session is limited to 20 people.
Please click HERE to RSVP at least 24 hours prior.
October 2026
Wednesday, October 7 Winterize Your Irrigation System (in-person)
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at 1355 Captial Blvd.
Prepare your irrigation system for the cold. This workshop is designed to help equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to properly winterize a residential irrigation system.
Please click HERE to RSVP at least 24 hours prior.
Wednesday, October 14 Winterize Your Irrigation System (virtual)
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. on Zoom
Prepare your irrigation system for the cold. This workshop is designed to help equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to properly winterize a residential irrigation system.
Join the webinar: https://tmwa.zoom.us/j/84043366205
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