UPDATE - August 29: 

Truckee Meadows Water Authority has lifted its temporary outdoor watering ban as conditions on the Truckee River improve.

Effective immediately, customers may resume outdoor watering based on their assigned watering days.

The agency had asked all customers to stop outdoor watering earlier this week to protect water treatment plants from high turbidity caused by a mudslide near the California-Nevada state line.

TMWA officials say the region’s water supply remains secure, and they continue to monitor river conditions closely.

Customers are encouraged to follow the assigned-day watering schedule and use water efficiently as the system returns to normal operations.

ORIGINAL STORY - August 27: 

Truckee Meadows Water Authority is directing all customers to immediately stop all outdoor watering until further notice.

A mudslide near the California-Nevada state line has the potential to aggravate ongoing high turbidity levels in the Truckee River, according to a release from TMWA.

To protect the region’s water treatment plants from excessive sediment and debris, TMWA will close some river intakes, which will significantly reduce treatment capacity.

TMWA has made clear that the region’s water supply remains secure, but TMWA will rely heavily on groundwater wells to meet consumer demand.

Customer cooperation is essential to maintaining system reliability during this period.

“Turning off sprinklers and halting outdoor watering is the single most important action our customers can take right now,” said Will Raymond, TMWA director of water operations and water quality. “This temporary measure will help us keep the system stable until river conditions improve. Our customers have always been fantastic in helping us with challenges of this nature, and we’re thankful for everyone in the community doing their part.”

The agency has stressed that there are no concerns regarding drinking water quality or safety. 

TMWA will continue to monitor the river closely and provide updates as conditions change.

Customers will be notified as soon as they can resume outdoor watering.