North Valleys PFAS Sampling Result Information

The City of Reno and Washoe County were recently made aware of per-and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances found in Swan Lake.  Subsequently, we jointly obtained various samples from 19 locations in and around the Lemmon Valley area for testing.  The samples included surface water, groundwater, shallow monitoring well, soil and plant tissue samples.  Please see below the “North Valleys PFAS Sampling Locations” map and the associated North Valleys PFAS Sample Results Spreadsheet.

• North Valleys PFAS Sampling Location Map and Results Spreadsheet

Key takeaways

• Swan and Silver Lakes as well as Horse Creek are not drinking water sources.  For individuals who use Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA) water, there is no evidence the water contains PFAS.  All drinking water well sample results were non-detect for PFAS and all federal and state drinking water standards are being met by TMWA.   
• Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent test results at the Reno Stead Water Reclamation Facility (RSWRF) and the Lemmon Valley Water Reclamation Facility (LVWRF) were in the single digit or low double digit (ppt) range and are similar to results found at WWTPs across the United States.

PFAS and related constituents are a group of man-made compounds with unique chemical properties that make them resistant to heat, oil, grease, and water (CDC 2017).  Because of these properties, they are very stable in the environment and information regarding these compounds is just now being developed by the CDC and other groups to understand any implications to long-term human health.  Information and data is evolving regarding these compounds in our area and across the County, and as information is developed, it will be released as it becomes available.  

• For the latest updates, visit Washoe County's website.
• To learn more about PFAS, visit TMWA’s website. 

Helpful Links

• Swan Lake Monitoring  
• Information About PFAS 
• Well Water Testing Kits  
• EPA Actions to Address PFAS
• NDEP’s PFAS Environmental Action Plan
• Understanding PFAS

April 28, 2023 Press Conference 

Representatives from the City of Reno, Washoe County, Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA), and the Washoe County Health District hosted a press conference on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) discovered in Swan Lake. A recording of the press conference is available to the public.