Howdy -
Usually there's not much water on the highway - sometimes a few puddles after a storm.
I've done U.S. 50 a couple of times - actually it's not the "Loneliest Road" - U.S. 6 is emptier.
What about water?
From Fallon, Nevada to Milford, Utah there are some long empty stretches - especially for city folk.
Here's a rundown on places with water:
>>Fallon
Salt Wells House of Ill-Repute (I'm sure they have water, but I didn't stop in.)
Sand Mountain Campground (lots of dune buggies and ATVs - yuchh!)
Middlegate Store and Campground (At the junction of US 50 and NV 361)
Cold Springs (Last time I was thru - the owner had just died - don't know if it's reopened.)
>>Austin
Scott Summit Campground (Last time thru had no water, but car campers should give you some.)
Hickison Petroglyphs (No water, if there are other visitors, you cam mooch some water.)
>>Eureka
Store at Jct of NV 892 (Closed)
Illipah Reservoir (Again, no water, but you should be able to beg some.)
>>Ely
Major's Place (Reopened a couple of years ago - great view from front porch!)
>>Baker
Garrison (Little store is closed - anyone at home will give you water.)
Jct of Pine Valley Road (Abandoned ranch house on NE corner - usually has gravity well running in front.)
>>Milford
Here are other ideas for water - -
1. I carry four tall water bottles - two on the drop bar, two in my panniers. I keep a wet sock on my drop bar bottles to keep the water cold.
2. Whenever you see a road crew or utility crew working - stop and ask for water. They always have big coolers and seem to like the chance to take a break and chat.
3. Stop at the pull-outs on the top of the passes. You'll probably want to, anyway. Hang around for 10 or 15 minutes. Tourists often stop for photos or personal needs. Ask for water.
4. If you see a windmill close to the road, it will usually be pumping water for cattle. No, don't dip your bottle in the cow tank - put it under the pipe as cool, fresh water comes up from the well.
5. As a last resort - hold a water bottle outstretched as cars comes by.
You should do 2, 3, 4,and 5 BEFORE you run out of water.
Have a good trip - - J