RENO, Nev. (AP) — A trial continues in Reno for a class-action lawsuit accusing the city of causing flood damage to dozens of homes and property north of town in Lemmon Valley.
The suit filed in 2017 in Washoe District Court says the city allegedly pumped, diverted or discharged excess storm water into the normally dry bed of Swan Lake, which overflowed during the winter of 2016-17.
It says the flood was acerbated by unchecked development in the area that has paved over and otherwise eliminated ground that normally would have absorbed rainfall and snowmelt, permanently changing the drainage system surrounding Swan Lake.
The city maintains the homeowners were the victim of an unforeseen natural disaster.
The trial began last week. It's expected to continue at least through the end of this week.