Is Lower Pitt-Taylor Reservoir Polluted?
Yes — Lower Pitt-Taylor Reservoir in Pershing County, Nevada is on the EPA's Clean Water Act 303(d) impaired-waters list (2022 assessment cycle). It is cited for Mercury, Metals (other than mercury), Nutrients (phosphorus, nitrogen), Other cause, Salinity / chlorides, Toxic inorganics. No cleanup plan (TMDL) has been completed yet. "Impaired" is a legal designation, separate from the lake's EPA condition class water-quality readings: it means at least one designated use (such as swimming, aquatic life, or fish consumption) does not meet state standards for the listed pollutant.
EPA 303(d) Listing
| On 303(d) impaired list | Yes |
| Cleanup plan (TMDL) | Not yet written |
| Assessment cycle | 2022 |
| EPA IR category | 5 |
| Uses not supported | Drinking water, Aquatic life, Fish consumption, Recreation, Other |
| EPA names this lake in the listing | Yes |
| Location | Pershing County, Nevada |
Pollutants Cited
- Mercury — Mercury accumulates in fish tissue and is the single most common impairment in northern lakes. It usually arrives via atmospheric deposition from coal combustion rather than local discharge — which is why even remote, clear lakes can be mercury-impaired. It triggers fish-consumption advisories, not swimming closures.
- Metals (other than mercury) — listed by EPA as exceeding water-quality standards for at least one designated use.
- Nutrients (phosphorus, nitrogen) — Excess phosphorus and nitrogen fuel algae growth and summer blooms. This is the classic agricultural-runoff and shoreline-development impairment, and the one most likely to affect swimming via blue-green algae.
- Other cause — listed by EPA as exceeding water-quality standards for at least one designated use.
- Salinity / chlorides — listed by EPA as exceeding water-quality standards for at least one designated use.
- Toxic inorganics — listed by EPA as exceeding water-quality standards for at least one designated use.
Specific parameters in the EPA record: Arsenic, Boron, Chloride, Fluoride, Mercury in Fish Tissue, Phosphorus, Selenium, Sodium Absorption Ratio, Sulfate, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS).
What this means for using Lower Pitt-Taylor Reservoir
Because Lower Pitt-Taylor Reservoir is listed for Nutrients (phosphorus, nitrogen), swimming can be affected — check for posted beach advisories, especially after heavy rain or during visible algae. An impairment listing does not mean the lake is closed — most impaired lakes remain open for boating and swimming. It means a specific pollutant exceeds a standard for a specific use. See the full breakdown on the lake report. The official EPA assessment is available in the ATTAINS waterbody report.
Stays via Stay22
Where to stay near Lower Pitt-Taylor Reservoir
Compare cabins, hotels, and vacation rentals near Lower Pitt-Taylor Reservoir in Pershing County, Nevada. Live availability and prices for your nights. Switch the map to Satellite to see how close each stay is to the water.
Top-rated places to stay near Lower Pitt-Taylor Reservoir
Prices for Oct 2–4, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a trip to Lower Pitt-Taylor Reservoir?
Get lake water-quality updates plus the best cabin & lodging deals near Lower Pitt-Taylor Reservoir — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Watch Lower Pitt-Taylor Reservoir water quality
Get an email when the clarity or algae readings change. Unsubscribe anytime.