Plan your water supply for the entire event – 1.5 gallons of water per day, per person.
Store drinking, cooking, and toothbrushing/intimate washing water in new or professionally sanitized reusable containers that have previously only held potable water.
Even if a container is rated as “food grade” and you thoroughly clean and disinfect it, there is still a high probability that there will remain a taste from the previous contents. Keep in mind that if your water tastes crappy, you will be less likely to drink it and will risk dehydration (which can lead to serious injury, even death). It is highly recommended that if you do bring water in used containers that you use that as utility water for cleaning and bathing, running mister systems, and such.
Never use garbage bags to store drinking water. The lining of garbage bags is usually impregnated with chemicals that retard spoilage and suppress odors, and are not safe for human consumption.
Keep plastic water bottles out of direct sunlight and away from strong odors. Sunlight is energetic enough to cause chemical reactions in the bottle’s plastic, imparting unpleasant odors and tastes to the water. Also, if there is anything in the water, like bacteria or algae, the sunlight will foster growth, which could cause illness as well as bad taste.
Store your empty bottles with the caps loose or off. The desert heat can make the air in the bottle expand and alter the bottle’s shape, and can even split the seams.
Public Pools and Showers
Public pools and public showers are not permitted in Black Rock City. Water for private use that entails full body contact or consumption must be potable and come from Nevada State Health Division-approved water sources such as water stores and supermarkets (see below). In other words, don’t fill your water from a gas station water hose.
Where to Get Water
Reno and Sparks lay in a basin known as the Truckee Meadows, an area of former wetlands through which the Truckee River flows. So lots of great water here!
You can buy water in large quantities, containers, or fill RV tanks in Reno, Sparks, Fernley, and Gerlach along NV-447. Search for dedicated water stations that meet your specific needs. Participants have reported positive experiences with Simply Water, Fresca Waterhouse, Blue Dot Water, and Spring Water Depo in Reno/Sparks.
Sportsman’s Warehouse is a reliable source for heavy-duty 15, 30, or 55-gallon water barrels and pumps.
The closest water for sale near Black Rock City is in Gerlach, where your purchase directly supports the local community.
Gerlach General Improvement District (GGID) Annual Water Sale
330 Short Drive, Gerlach, NV – 775.856.3330 — map
Potable water sales are in front of the Gerlach Community Center behind the Post Office. Follow the directional water signs posted as you enter town on Main Street. The GGID can fill RVs, travel trailers, and water containers of (nearly) any size.
The GGID is the local governing body of Gerlach. Water sales benefit the Kerak Shrine and the town of Gerlach.
Prices and Payment types:
- Water is $0.65/gallon
- 5-gallon containers are $20
Payment can be made either by credit card (7% fee) or cash.
Hours of operation:
| Saturday August 22 | noon – 5pm |
| Sunday August 23 – Wednesday August 26 | 8am – 8pm* |
| Thursday, August 27 – Monday, August 31 | open 24 hours |
| Tuesday September 1 – Thursday September 3 | 8am – 8pm |
Water Delivery in Black Rock City
Any company offering delivery to playa must be a registered with the Outside Services (OSS) Program. Review the OSS authorized providers list to find one that meets your specific needs.
Ice is a Form of Water
You can purchase ice on playa at Arctica locations, but you still need to bring 1.5 gallons of liquid water per person, per day.