Las Vegas Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Las Vegas tap water meets EPA standards, though there are a few things worth knowing. With 137 ppm hardness (8 gpg), expect some mineral deposits over time. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. PFAS chemicals were detected but are within EPA limits. No violations have been recorded in the past 3 years.
Generally Safe
Minor compliance issues
8 GPG hardness
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Hard water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Las Vegas Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Las Vegas tap water meets EPA health standards, with some contaminants worth monitoring.
13 contaminants were tested in Las Vegas's water. 11 were detected — all within EPA limits.
Disinfection Byproducts — Trihalomethanes (TTHM) is at 77 ppb — 96% of the EPA limit (80 ppb). Within legal limits, but elevated.
A group of chemicals (chloroform, bromoform, and others) that form when chlorine used to disinfect water reacts with natural organic matter. According to the EPA, long-term exposure is linked to increased risk of bladder cancer and liver, kidney, and central nervous system problems.
→ An activated carbon filter (pitcher, faucet-mount, or whole-house) effectively reduces trihalomethanes.
PFAS "Forever Chemicals" — 2 PFAS compounds detected, all within current EPA limits. Highest: PFHXA at 4.85 ppt.
Metals — 3 contaminants detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Arsenic at 1.4 ppb (14% of EPA limit).
Radioactive Contaminants — 1 contaminant detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Uranium at 3.9 ppb (13% of EPA limit).
Inorganic Chemicals — 2 contaminants detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Fluoride at 0.66 ppm (17% of EPA limit).
The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 1.5M people in the Las Vegas area.
Based on publicly available data from LVVWD 2025 Water Quality Report (2024). Water quality can vary by location, building plumbing, and over time. This assessment reflects compliance with federal EPA standards and is not medical advice.
Do I Need a Water Filter?
PFAS chemicals were detected in Las Vegas water, though within current EPA limits. An activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter can further reduce PFAS exposure. Disinfection byproducts are elevated (above 75% of EPA limits). A carbon filter can help reduce these. With hard water (137 ppm), a water softener can reduce scale buildup in pipes, appliances, and water heaters.
How Hard is Las Vegas Water?
137 ppm
8 grains per gallon
Hard water can cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances. A water softener may be beneficial.
Impact on Your Home
Shower
May dry out skin & hair
Kitchen
Spots on dishes
Laundry
Clothes may feel stiff
Appliances
Scale buildup
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Do I Need a Water Softener?
At 137 ppm, Las Vegas has hard water. You may notice white spots on dishes, dry skin after showering, and mineral buildup on fixtures. A water softener can help reduce these effects. Hard water is generally not a health concern according to the WHO.
Range: 291–291 ppm
Based on 11 samples from LVVWD 2025 Water Quality Report (2024)
Your pipes tell a different story
The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Las Vegas tap water.
Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.
Lead & Contaminants
Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Las Vegas
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
2.8 ppb
Las Vegas lead levels are well below the EPA action level.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2022-12-31
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
According to the EPA, lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb and states there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
According to the CDC: developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
According to the EPA: high blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues
How to Reduce Exposure
- •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
- •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
- •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986
PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
PFAS detected but within current EPA limits
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment. Levels are within current EPA maximum contaminant levels.
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM)
96% of EPA limit
Range: 1–90 ppb
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
70% of EPA limit
Range: 0–49 ppb
Chlorine
25% of EPA limit
Range: 0–2.5 ppm
Fluoride
17% of EPA limit
Range: 0.29–0.74 ppm
Other Detected Contaminants
13 contaminants detected
| Contaminant | Your Water | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Arsenic | 1.4 ppb Range: 0.77-4 | 10 ppb 0 | Safe 14% of limit |
Barium | 0.1 ppm Range: 0.03-0.2 | 2 ppm Goal: 2 ppm | Safe 5% of limit |
Fluoride | 0.66 ppm Range: 0.29-0.74 | 4 ppm Goal: 4 ppm | Safe 17% of limit |
Nitrate (as Nitrogen) | 0.57 ppm Range: 0.45-6.3 | 10 ppm Goal: 10 ppm | Safe 6% of limit |
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | 42 ppb Range: 0-49 Highest LRAA | 60 ppb | Caution 70% of limit |
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | 77 ppb Range: 1-90 Highest LRAA | 80 ppb | Caution 96% of limit |
Chlorine | 1 ppm Range: 0-2.5 | 4 ppm | Safe 25% of limit |
Selenium | 2.3 ppb Range: 0-2.7 | 50 ppb Goal: 50 ppb | Safe 5% of limit |
Uranium | 3.9 ppb Range: 1.8-4.4 | 30 ppb 0 | Safe 13% of limit |
PFHXA | 4.85 ppt Range: 0-5.6 UCMR5 - 2/40 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFOA | 0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 - 0/40 samples detected | 4 ppt 0 | Safe |
PFOS | 0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 - 0/40 samples detected | 4 ppt 0 | Safe |
PFPEA | 4.4 ppt Range: 0-4.8 UCMR5 - 2/40 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA legal limit)
EPA Compliance History
Excellent Record
No violations in past 3 yearsThis utility has maintained full EPA compliance. No action needed, but regular home testing is still recommended.
3-Year Violation Summary
0
Total Violations
0
Health-Related
0
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels. The EPA recommends considering certified filtration.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Las Vegas's Water?
Utility Name
LAS VEGAS VALLEY WATER DISTRICT
EPA System ID (PWSID)
NV0000090
Primary Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
1.5M
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Las Vegas tap water quality
Nearby Cities in Nevada
Reno
Moderate water
Sparks
Moderate water
North Las Vegas
Hard water
Henderson
Hard water
Carson City
Great Basin
Very Hard water
This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology
Data source: LVVWD 2025 Water Quality Report (2024) • View report