Truckee, Calif. (Oct. 2, 2023) – Do you take it for granted that clean water comes out of your tap, and once used it disappears safely down the drain?  If you answered “yes,” thanks are due to the three local water agencies who are responsible for providing the essential services of maintaining Truckee’s urban water cycle—the connected processes of water supply, wastewater collection, and wastewater treatment and reclamation.

In recognition of the invaluable contributions made by water professionals in our community, the three local agencies are pleased to announce that Oct. 7-15 is Water Professionals Appreciation Week. This week-long celebration honors the vital work done by the dedicated individuals and organizations that ensure the availability and quality of our precious water resources, and aims to raise awareness about the importance of responsible water management and conservation.

Water is a fundamental necessity for life, and the professionals in Truckee's water industry play a pivotal role in managing and maintaining our water supply systems, which ensure safe and reliable access to clean water for our residents and businesses. Water professionals in our community work diligently year-round, often behind the scenes, to provide essential services that keep our taps flowing, our ecosystems healthy and our environment sustainable.

Truckee Sanitary District (TSD)

The oldest of the three public water agencies, Truckee Sanitary District (TSD), was formed in 1906, making it one of the earliest special districts in California. TSD was formed in response to public health and environmental concerns from the discharge of waste into the Truckee River and its tributaries, such as Donner, Cold, and Trout Creeks. Prior to TSD setting up a public system of waste conveyance and treatment, many of the residences and businesses used local rivers and creeks as a means of conveying their waste. A 1918 report from the State Sanitarian found a prevalence of water-borne disease in the area. 

TSD’s original collection system consisted of less than five miles of pipe tying the downtown area to a small treatment pond east of the historic railyard site. In the ensuing years, TSD’s collection system expanded. Donner Lake properties, which were originally served by on-site septic systems, were converted to the public sewer in the late 1960s. At that time, wastewater was treated in a series of ponds that can still be seen under the 267 bypass bridge next to the river. 

TSD and its 40 full-time staff are now responsible for the collection and conveyance of wastewater encompassing an area of over 399 square miles, and serves 12,000 residential units and approximately 600 commercial units. Service is provided through approximately 215 miles of gravity mains, 16 miles of force mains, 187 miles of laterals and 44 lift stations. 

According to Dennis Anderson, president of the TSD board, “I am proud of TSD employees and their dedication to upholding our agency’s mission of protecting the public health and environment for our and future generations.”

Truckee Donner Public Utility District (TDPUD)

Truckee Donner Public Utility District (TDPUD) was created in 1927 and serves the greater Truckee area. The mission of the TDPUD is to provide reliable, high-quality utility and customer services while managing district resources in a safe, open, responsible      and environmentally-sound manner at the lowest practical costs. The water supplied by the TDPUD is 100 percent groundwater, which is supplied from the Martis Valley groundwater basin. This precious basin is managed collaboratively with Northstar Community Services District and Placer County Water Agency through the Martis Valley Groundwater Management Plan.

TDPUD relies on a network of 14 wells, 25 pump stations, 35 tanks, 240 miles of piping, and sophisticated controls to efficiently deliver safe, affordable and clean water. This important water distribution system is designed, operated and maintained by TDPUD’s 18 water professionals, who put in many hours of education and training to be certified by the State of California. Within each certification are five increasing levels, each requiring a higher level of training and responsibility than the last.

“The TDPUD extends its sincere gratitude and appreciation to our dedicated water professional employees who are available 24/7 to provide critical services to our community every day,” said Jeff Bender, president of the TDPUD board, “We honor all of Truckee’s water professionals and everyone who supports them.”

Tahoe-Truckee Sanitation Agency (T-TSA)

The third local water agency, Tahoe-Truckee Sanitation Agency (T-TSA), was established in 1972 as a regional agency responsible for the planning, administration and coordination of wastewater treatment and disposal services throughout the north and west shores of Lake Tahoe, the Truckee River corridor and Truckee. The water professionals at T-TSA operate and maintain the region’s wastewater treatment facility, which treats 1.216 billion gallons of wastewater and disposes of 1,166.4 dry metric tons of removed biosolids annually. Additionally, the agency owns and operates the Truckee River Interceptor, collecting and conveying the wastewater from each of the member districts to the treatment facility.

“T-TSA has highly-trained and competent water professionals who are focused on effectiveness and ensuring compliance with environmental and public health standards,” said Dan Wilkins, president of the Tahoe-Truckee Sanitation Agency board.

T-TSA serves as a collaborative effort among multiple agencies to protect Lake Tahoe's water quality by treating wastewater from the Truckee-Tahoe region. Their state-of-the-art treatment facilities and dedication to environmental stewardship help maintain the pristine beauty of Lake Tahoe and the Truckee River.

Water Professionals Appreciation Week

The local Truckee water and wastewater utilities encourage all community members to participate in Water Professionals Appreciation Week by learning more about the critical role of water professionals, including those from the Truckee Sanitary District, Truckee Donner Public Utility District and the Tahoe-Truckee Sanitation Agency, play in our daily lives. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who work diligently to protect and preserve our water resources.

Click here for photos

• Group photo of TSD employees
• Group photo of TDPUD employees
• Group photo of T-TSA employees

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Media Contact: Steven Poncelet, Truckee Donner PUD, 530-582-3951, stevenponcelet@tdpud.org

PDF of Press Release