Regulatory Duties
The PUCN fully regulates the rates, service quality, and service territories of 27 investor-owned water and wastewater utilities serving approximately 22,300 customers in Nevada.
The PUCN regulates the service territories, but not the rates or service quality, of water and wastewater utilities under the control of a non-investor-owned governing body, such as a co-op or homeowner's association. The PUCN also does not have any regulatory oversight over utilities operated by governmental bodies, quasi-governmental bodies, or political subdivisions of the state, including the Southern Nevada Water Authority, the Las Vegas Valley Water District and the Truckee Meadows Water Authority.
The PUCN's primary regulatory activities over investor-owned water/wastewater utilities include:
- Ensuring the delivery of clean, safe and reliable water to customers at reasonable rates.
- Ensuring reliable sewer service to customers at reasonable rates.
- Monitoring quality of service, environmental compliance and financial performance.
The PUCN also reviews Utility Environmental Protection Act (UEPA) permits for compliance with environmental requirements for new investor-owned water and/or wastewater facilities.
Water quality, supply and wastewater discharge issues are governed by various federal and state agencies. The PUCN works collaboratively with these other agencies to ensure utility compliance.
Check Regulatory Status
If you are a current water or wastewater company in Nevada and want to check
the status of your annual reports, assessments and payments, and other
regulatory obligations, click here.
New Water/Wastewater Companies
If you are considering forming a new water and/or wastewater company in Nevada, please contact the PUCN for information.