Reno Reporter

The City of Reno and the Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA) have announced a $30 million grant to fund Nevada’s first A+ Advanced Purified Water Facility (APWF), known as the OneWater Nevada APWF at American Flat. The grant, awarded by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), is part of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law aimed at supporting water reuse projects.

Laura Daniel-Davis, Acting Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior, made the announcement on June 13th at Reno’s Wingfield Park. The funds are intended to enhance the resiliency and sustainability of the region’s water resources.

“It is critical for us to invest in innovative solutions that will protect our state’s water resources,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “That is why I’m proud to have helped secure these federal funds through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to provide Washoe County communities with a new, locally controlled, and drought-resistant water supply.”

Senator Rosen emphasized the importance of such investments amid increasing drought conditions in Nevada: “As Nevada confronts more frequent and extreme drought, it’s critical that we make investments to protect our water supply. I worked to secure this funding to update our water infrastructure and ensure a clean, reliable water supply in Northern Nevada. I’ll keep pushing to deliver federal funding for our state.”

Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve highlighted the long-term impact: “This isn't just about addressing current challenges; it's about building a legacy for generations to come. This facility will help ensure a secure water supply for our residents, businesses, and vital ecosystems. It allows us to become a leader in sustainable water practices, inspiring other communities to follow suit.”

The OneWater Nevada APWF at American Flat will process highly treated effluent from the Reno-Stead Water Reclamation Facility through multiple purification steps including ozonation, biological carbon filtration, ultraviolet disinfection, among others. The treated water will then be injected into an aquifer north of Stead Airport, providing additional environmental buffering and quality benefits.

Currently approaching 60% design completion, the project includes an advanced purification center, six miles of pipeline, and two injection wells at American Flat farm. Construction is expected to begin in summer 2025.

The BOR's WaterSMART grant program identifies opportunities for wastewater reclamation and reuse across 17 western states and Hawaii. This initiative includes funding for planning, design, and construction projects in collaboration with local governments.

“We are incredibly grateful for the remarkable level of support that the Bureau of Reclamation has shown for the American Flat project,” said John Zimmerman, TMWA General Manager. “The support for this innovative approach will optimize our high-desert water resources and benefit our region for generations to come.”

A joint letter from Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, Senator Jacky Rosen, and Representative Mark Amodei endorsed the project as one that would "provide communities in Washoe County with a new, locally controlled, and drought-resistant water supply."

Initially used for agricultural irrigation at American Flat, A+ Advanced Purified Water will eventually serve homes and businesses with high-quality drought-proof supplies.