Health Concerns Found SCHOOL DISTRICT PFAS DETECTED

Washoe County School District (NV): 13 Health Violations

28 ZIP codes · 18 water systems · 8,967,703 people served · Updated 2026-07-23

ZipCheckup's reading of EPA drinking-water data for Washoe County School District: 5 unresolved violations in the water systems serving this district.

Data: EPA SDWIS, NCES Last verified: 2026-07-23

B · 74
Avg Safety Score
28
ZIP Codes
18
Water Systems
91
Violations (5yr)
0.0013 mg/L
Avg Lead Level
18
ZIPs with PFAS
Zone 1
Radon Risk

Why School Water Quality Matters

Children drink 2–4× more water per pound of body weight than adults, making them more vulnerable to contaminants. School water quality affects students for hours every weekday.

Water Quality Overview

The Washoe County School District in Nevada spans 28 ZIP codes served by 18 community water systems, providing water to approximately 8,967,703 people.

The average Home Safety Score across the district is B (74/100)

  • with the lowest-scoring area at 45/100 .

Water quality in this district ranks better than 61% of ZIP codes nationally.

Why This Matters for Children

Children are more vulnerable to water contaminants than adults. The EPA and CDC identify these key risks:

  • Lead exposure - Even low levels of lead can affect brain development, reduce IQ, and cause behavioral problems in children. There is no safe level of lead for children.
  • PFAS ("forever chemicals") - Linked to immune system effects and developmental delays in children. Children drink more water relative to body weight than adults.
  • Nitrate - Dangerous for infants (can cause "blue baby syndrome"). Agricultural areas often have elevated nitrate.
  • Disinfection byproducts - Long-term exposure may increase cancer risk. School water fountains often have stagnant water that concentrates these compounds.

Lead Levels in the District

Metric Value EPA Threshold
Average lead level (90th percentile) 0.0013 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
Highest lead level 0.0027 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
ZIP codes exceeding EPA action level 0 of 28 -

PFAS Contamination

PFAS ("forever chemicals") detected in 18 of 28 ZIP codes in this district. One or more PFAS compounds exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels.

Detected compounds: PFOS, PFHxS, PFPeA, PFHxA, PFBA, PFBS, PFOA, PFHpA.

Highest measured level: 0.02 µg/L.

PFAS can accumulate in the body over time. Children's higher water intake relative to body weight makes them particularly susceptible. Reverse osmosis filters (NSF/ANSI 58) are the most effective at removing PFAS.

Learn more about PFAS in drinking water →

EPA Violation History

13 health-based violations recorded across 22 of 28 ZIP codes in the past 5 years. 5 violations remain unresolved.

Contaminants of Concern

Contaminant Category Violations Health-Based ZIPs Affected
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting 27 Yes 15
Lead Inorganic 19 No 19
Revised Total Coliform Rule Microbiological 15 No 2
Stage 1 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 14 No 6
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Technique 6 No 6
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Disinfection Byproducts 4 No 4
E. coli Microbiological 4 No 2
Total Coliform Microbiological 2 No 2

Radon Risk

Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High risk)

2 of 28 ZIP codes are in the highest radon risk zone. Radon is the #2 cause of lung cancer in the U.S. - homes and school buildings in Zone 1 should be tested.

Water Quality by ZIP Code

ZIP Code City Safety Score Violations Health Lead Level Exceeds?
89412 Gerlach C (68) 24 0 0.001 mg/L No
89405 Empire B (71) 22 0 0.001 mg/L No
89431 Sparks C (67) 3 0 0.002 mg/L No
89434 Sparks B (77) 3 0 0.002 mg/L No
89436 Sparks B (82) 3 0 0.002 mg/L No
89441 Sparks B (82) 3 0 0.002 mg/L No
89450 Incline Village B (80) 3 0 0.0014 mg/L No
89451 Incline Village B (75) 3 0 0.0014 mg/L No
89501 Reno B (77) 2 1 0.001 mg/L No
89502 Reno B (72) 2 1 0.001 mg/L No
89503 Reno B (77) 2 1 0.001 mg/L No
89506 Reno B (72) 2 1 0.001 mg/L No
89508 Reno B (82) 2 1 0.001 mg/L No
89509 Reno B (77) 2 1 0.001 mg/L No
89510 Reno B (82) 2 1 0.001 mg/L No
89511 Reno B (77) 2 1 0.001 mg/L No
89512 Reno B (82) 2 1 0.001 mg/L No
89519 Reno B (77) 2 1 0.001 mg/L No
89521 Reno B (77) 2 1 0.001 mg/L No
89523 Reno B (77) 2 1 0.001 mg/L No
89557 Reno B (82) 2 1 0.001 mg/L No
89703 Carson City B (82) 1 0 0.0027 mg/L No
89402 Crystal Bay D (53) 0 0 — —
89424 Nixon D (53) 0 0 — —
89433 Sun Valley B (83) 0 0 0.002 mg/L No
89439 Verdi B (83) 0 0 0.0013 mg/L No
89442 Wadsworth D (53) 0 0 — —
89704 Washoe Valley D (45) 0 0 — —

Water Systems Serving This District

Water System Population Served Source ZIP Codes
TRUCKEE MEADOWS WATER AUTHORITY 442,000 Surface water 89424, 89431, 89434 +17 more
Carson City Public Works 59,000 Surface water 89703, 89704
FERNLEY PUBLIC WORKS 23,064 Groundwater 89442
Sun Valley Gid 17,000 Surface water 89433, 89436, 89512
Great Basin Water Company Cold Springs 9,650 Groundwater 89501, 89502, 89503 +10 more
INCLINE VILLAGE GID 9,313 Surface water 89402, 89450, 89451
Indian Hills Gid 5,962 Groundwater 89703
Great Basin Water Company Spanish Springs 1,460 Groundwater 89436, 89441, 89501 +12 more

18 water systems total serve this district.

Lead Risk Assessment

Infrastructure Risk Factors

Risk Factor District Average Why It Matters
Housing built before 1986 47.4% Lead solder was used in plumbing until 1986
Housing built before 1950 5.4% Lead pipes were common before 1950
Lead service line probability 14% Estimated chance of lead pipes connecting homes to water mains
Average lead level (90th pctl) 0.0013 mg/L EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L
Highest measured lead level 0.0027 mg/L EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L

Schools built before 1986 are especially at risk. Lead can leach from older pipes, fixtures, and solder joints into drinking water — particularly when water sits in pipes overnight or over weekends.

Detailed Violation History

1 health-based contaminant have triggered violations in this district: Consumer Confidence Report Rule.
Contaminant Category Total Violations Health-Based ZIPs Affected
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting 27 Yes 15
Lead Inorganic 19 No 19
Revised Total Coliform Rule Microbiological 15 No 2
Stage 1 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 14 No 6
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Technique 6 No 6
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Disinfection Byproducts 4 No 4
E. coli Microbiological 4 No 2
Total Coliform Microbiological 2 No 2

Most Recent Violations

  • Violation in ZIP 89405 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 89405 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 89405 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 89405 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 89405 (Unknown date) — Unresolved

Is the Water Safe at Washoe County School District Schools?

Several factors warrant attention for families in the Washoe County School District area:

  • Water systems in this district have recorded 13 health-based violations. These violations indicate contaminant levels that may pose health risks.
  • PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in 18 of 28 ZIP codes. Some PFAS levels exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels.
  • 47.4% of buildings in this district predate 1986, increasing the risk of lead in school plumbing.
  • 5 violations remain unresolved, meaning the issues have not been officially corrected.

Important context: EPA compliance data measures water quality at the utility level. Individual school buildings — especially older ones — may have additional risks from internal plumbing, lead fixtures, and stagnant water in pipes.

What Parents Should Do

Testing

  1. Request your school's water testing results. Under the EPA's 3Ts program, schools are encouraged to test drinking water. Ask the Washoe County School District school board for the most recent results.
  2. Test your home water. If your home was built before 1986, lead may be present in your plumbing. Free or low-cost test kits are often available from your water utility.
  3. Ask about PFAS testing. PFAS have been detected in this district. Request specific PFAS testing results from your water utility.

Advocacy

  1. Attend school board meetings and ask about the district's water quality testing schedule and remediation plans.
  2. Request lead fixture replacement if your child's school was built before 1986 and hasn't upgraded its plumbing.
  3. Contact your water utility about the 5 unresolved violations in the district. Ask for a timeline for resolution.

Resources

ZIP Code Reports for This District

What Parents Can Do

  1. Request lead testing at your child's school - The EPA's 3Ts program (Training, Testing, Taking Action) provides guidance for schools. Ask your school board about their water testing schedule.
  2. Review the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) - Your water utility publishes this annually. It details all detected contaminants.
  3. Test your home's water - Especially if your home has older plumbing (pre-1986) that may contain lead solder or lead pipes.
  4. Address PFAS - If PFAS are detected in your area, a reverse osmosis or activated carbon block filter rated NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 can reduce levels significantly.
  5. Pack water from home - If you're concerned about school water quality, send your child with a water bottle filled at home (filtered if possible).
  6. Stay informed - Bookmark this page to check for updates on water quality in your school district.

Need help with school water quality?

Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400

Find the Right Water Filter

Free tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water safe in Washoe County School District schools?

Water systems serving Washoe County School District have recorded 13 health-based violations in the past 5 years. While utilities are required to meet federal standards, individual school buildings may have older plumbing that can introduce contaminants. Parents should request lead testing results from their school.

Does Washoe County School District test for lead in school water?

Federal law does not require schools to test for lead in drinking water (except in some states with specific mandates). The EPA's voluntary 3Ts program encourages testing. Contact your school district office to ask about their testing schedule and results.

What level of lead is safe for children?

There is no safe level of lead for children, according to the CDC. The EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L (15 ppb) triggers corrective action for water systems, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that school water contain no more than 0.001 mg/L (1 ppb).

Are there PFAS in Washoe County School District water?

Yes, PFAS have been detected in 18 of 28 ZIP codes served by this district. PFAS are "forever chemicals" that do not break down and can accumulate in the body. The EPA has set maximum contaminant levels for certain PFAS compounds. Reverse osmosis filters are the most effective at removing PFAS from drinking water.

Data Sources

Updated daily.

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How to cite this page

APA ZipCheckup. (2026). Washoe County School District (NV): 13 Health Violations. https://zipcheckup.com/schools/washoe-county-school-district-nv/
BibTeX 
@misc{zipcheckup-schools-washoe-county-school-district-nv,
  author = {{ZipCheckup}},
  title  = {{Washoe County School District (NV): 13 Health Violations}},
  year   = {2026},
  url    = {https://zipcheckup.com/schools/washoe-county-school-district-nv/}
}

Data as of July 2026.

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