Staff Report
When Candice Vargas bought Lahontan Valley Water LLC in March 2025, she saw more than a business opportunity. She saw a chance to continue serving rural Churchill County families while finding new ways to give back to the community she has called home for most of her life.
Born in Texas, Vargas moved to Fallon as a young child. She was raised in Fallon and has since raised her own family in the community. She purchased the potable water delivery business from a longtime friend whose health prompted him to sell. The former owner still occasionally helps with deliveries.
Lahontan Valley Water delivers potable water to customers outside Fallon who rely on storage tanks rather than private wells. Summer is the company's busiest season, with Vargas filling residential swimming pools in addition to making regular residential deliveries.
One of the company's biggest milestones came shortly after Vargas took ownership. She applied to become a potable water vendor at the annual Burning Man event and was accepted, becoming the first new vendor in seven years. She recently secured a contract for Burning Man 2026 and will spend about 10 days at this year's event delivering potable water to participants.
"I became the first new vendor in 7 years and I am very proud of that," Vargas said.
Vargas will be joined at Burning Man by the former owner of the business and her adult son. During the rest of the year, she typically operates the business alone, although her 14-year-old son, Jaxtin, often rides along to help.
Vargas has also found ways to give back to the community through her business.
Last month, Lahontan Valley Water gave away 5,000 gallons of water to fill one local family's swimming pool. For August, Vargas and her son decided to launch a back-to-school backpack giveaway.
The business initially planned to donate two backpacks filled with school supplies and asked community members to nominate families in need through the company's Facebook page. Support from friends and family quickly expanded the effort to eight backpacks.
Nominations will be accepted through Friday, Aug. 7. Recipients will be selected Saturday, and the backpacks will be delivered to local families.
Vargas said anyone needing assistance is encouraged to submit a nomination, including nominating themselves. Community members who would like to donate additional backpacks with school supplies may contact Lahontan Valley Water through its Facebook page or by calling 775-461-6192.
"I have been feeling really blessed lately with a renewed contract for BM and with how extremely busy this summer has been for me," Vargas said. "My son thought giving away a couple backpacks with supplies, would be a cool thing to do."
Comment
Comments