Frequently Asked Questions
About the Program
What is Nevada’s Interim Household Treatment Program?
Who is administering the program?
The program is administered by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP), Bureau of Safe Drinking Water, and is funded by the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities (EC‑SDC) Grant.
What are “emerging contaminants”?
Eligibility and Participation
Who can apply for a free household filter?
Residents are eligible if they:
- Live in areas where PFAS or manganese have been detected in the drinking water supply;
- Are served by a small public water system (fewer than 10,000 residents) or live in a disadvantaged community (≤80% of Nevada’s median household income); and
- Own or rent a property where a household filter can be installed.
How can I find out if my public water system qualifies?
NDEP will coordinate with your public water system to notify you, and a list of qualifying public water systems will be available on the program website once applications open.
Can renters apply?
Yes, renters are eligible if they live in a qualifying community and a residence where a household filter can be installed.
Are there income requirements for applicants to qualify?
Filter Information
What types of filters are available through this program?
Tappwater Countertop RO SMRTM. Visit the website to discover the countertop reverse osmosis system with 7-stage filtration that removes 99.9% of contaminants. https://tappwater.co/pages/countertop-smr
How long do the filters last?
1 refill up to 1 year usage. Capacity is ~300 gallons (1,200 litres), with a filtration performance of ~3 gallons/hour (12 litres/hour). Total dissolved solid concentrations can affect filter life. Be sure to look for the flashing light, which indicates when it’s time to change your filter. Visit your instruction manual for more details: https://ndepwaterfilters.org/filter-information/
Who installs the filters?
You do!
Step 1 – Install the filter cartridge and twist clockwise to lock
Step 2 – Rinse and fill the back water tank. Careful NOT to exceed the max fill line.
Step 3 – Rinse the pure water jug and insert it next to the filter.
Step 4 – Plug in the unit, and flushing will begin automatically. At 50%, empty and refill the raw back water tank.
Step 5 – When the light turns blue, place a 1.2L container in the tray and press the button. Repeat until 100% is reached (approximately 20 minutes).
Blue light ring = clean water is flowing
Check out this quick and easy video on how to install your Countertop RO filter. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNIRJi4zAil/
Program Timeline and Funding
What is the Program Timeline?
Filter Distribution: January 2026 – January 2027.
Replacement Phase: January 2027 – June 2029.
Program End: June 30, 2029, or as funding allows.
What does the grant funding cover?
What happens after the program ends in 2029?
Technical and Public Health
What health concerns are associated with PFAS and manganese?
Manganese: at high concentrations, it can affect taste, color, and, in some cases, neurological health, particularly in infants.
How do filters protect my family’s health?
How is NDEP ensuring filter quality?
All selected products are reviewed for certification, effectiveness, affordability, and reliability. Vendors must meet specific criteria to ensure performance and long‑term availability. Visit our Filter Information page to learn more about the filter provided by this program.
Contact and Support
How can I apply or learn more?
Verify you are in the Coverage Area and then fill out the Application. You can also read the full eligibility requirements on the Grant Information page.
Who can I contact with questions?
Mike Antoine, NDEP — mantoine@ndep.nv.gov | (775) 687‑9490;
Karola Kennedy, NDEP — k.kennedy@ndep.nv.gov | (775) 687‑9522.
