Nevada Water Quality Report 2026

6 cities2,074,166 residentsUpdated March 2026

D69.5/100State Average
Nevada has 6 cities in our database, serving approximately 2,074,166 residents. The average PurityMap score is 69.5/100 (Grade: D), which is 8.4 points below the US average of 77.9/100. Carson City has the cleanest water (85/100) while Las Vegas scores lowest (58/100) due to PFAS detected, very hard water, high TDS.
Is Nevada Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Safe — Filtration Recommended

Nevada tap water is safe — filtration recommended based on our analysis of 6 water systems serving 2,074,166 residents. The average PurityMap score is 69.5/100 (Grade: D), which is 8.4 points below the national average.

  • PFAS detected in 3 of 6 cities (50%). Forever chemicals require reverse osmosis filtration.
  • 5 cities (83%) have hard or very hard water (7+ GPG) which causes scale buildup and appliance damage.
  • 3 cities exceed the EPA secondary TDS guideline of 500 ppm, which affects taste and may indicate elevated minerals.
  • 5 cities use chloramine or have elevated chlorine residuals. Standard Brita pitchers do not remove chloramine.
Our Recommendation

We recommend an under-sink reverse osmosis system for drinking water in PFAS-affected areas of Nevada. RO removes 99%+ of PFAS, lead, and other contaminants. For hard water cities, add a whole-house softener.

All 6 cities in Nevada meet EPA federal drinking water standards as of 2026. However, EPA standards set legal limits — not health goals. Many contaminants are detected at levels that are legal but may still pose long-term health risks according to independent health organizations like the EWG.
Nevada at a Glance
69.5Avg Purity Score
11.4Avg Hardness (GPG)
Very Hard
3Cities with PFAS
5Cities with Hard Water
2.2Avg Lead (ppb)
444Avg TDS (ppm)

Nevada is 8.4 points below the US average of 77.9/100. Hardness is 5.1 GPG above the US average of 6.3 GPG.

Best & Worst Water in Nevada
Cleanest

Carson City

85/100

Source: Kings Canyon Creek and groundwater

Most Concerns

Las Vegas

58/100

PFAS detected, very hard water, high TDS

Cities with Most Water Concerns in Nevada

Cities ranked by lowest score. Click any city for the full report and filter recommendations.

RankCityScoreHardnessLeadKey Issues
1Las Vegas 58/10016.3 GPG2.5 ppbPFAS (3.2 ppt), Very Hard (16.3 GPG), TDS (650 ppm)
2Henderson 58/10015.8 GPG2.3 ppbPFAS (2.8 ppt), Very Hard (15.8 GPG), TDS (635 ppm)
3North Las Vegas 58/10016.1 GPG2.4 ppbPFAS (2.9 ppt), Very Hard (16.1 GPG), TDS (645 ppm)
4Reno 79/1007.3 GPG2.0 ppbHard (7.3 GPG)
5Sparks 79/1007.1 GPG1.9 ppbHard (7.1 GPG)
6Carson City 85/1005.5 GPG1.8 ppbHardness 5.5 GPG, TDS 210 ppm
Score Distribution

How Nevada's 6 cities score on the PurityMap 0–100 scale:

Excellent (85–100)
1 city
Good (70–84)
2 cities
Moderate (60–69)
0 cities
Poor (below 60)
3 cities
Largest Cities in Nevada — Water Quality

Water quality for the most populated cities. Click any city for details.







CityPopulationScoreHardnessKey Issues
Las Vegas1.1M 58/10016.3 GPGPFAS, Very Hard
Henderson322K 58/10015.8 GPGPFAS, Very Hard
Reno275K 79/1007.3 GPGHard
North Las Vegas263K 58/10016.1 GPGPFAS, Very Hard
Sparks105K 79/1007.1 GPGHard
Carson City59K 85/1005.5 GPG—
Hard Water in Nevada

5 of 6 cities (83%) in Nevada have hard or very hard water (7+ GPG). Las Vegas has the hardest at 16.3 GPG. Cities: Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Reno, Sparks. A water softener is recommended.

Hard Water Guide Softener Solutions
PFAS in Nevada Water

PFAS have been detected in 3 of 6 cities (50%) in Nevada. Highest: Las Vegas at 3.2 ppt. Affected: Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson. A reverse osmosis filter is recommended.

PFAS Guide RO for PFAS
Lead in Nevada Water

All Nevada cities have lead below 5 ppb. Average: 2.2 ppb. Individual homes with older plumbing may have higher levels.

High TDS in Nevada

3 cities in Nevada have TDS above 500 ppm. Cities: Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson. RO effectively reduces TDS.

RO Reduces TDS
Water Sources in Nevada

Where Nevada gets its drinking water, based on 6 water systems.



Source TypeCities% of Total
Surface Water350%
Mixed (Ground + Surface)350%
Recommended Filter for Nevada

Nevada has both PFAS (3 cities) and hard water (5 cities). RO for drinking water + softener for whole house.

All Nevada Cities — Ranked
#CityPop.ScoreHardnessLeadPFASTDS
1Las Vegas1.1M 58/10016.3 GPG (Very Hard)2.5 ppb⚠️ Yes (3.2 ppt)650 ppm
2Henderson322K 58/10015.8 GPG (Very Hard)2.3 ppb⚠️ Yes (2.8 ppt)635 ppm
3North Las Vegas263K 58/10016.1 GPG (Very Hard)2.4 ppb⚠️ Yes (2.9 ppt)645 ppm
4Reno275K 79/1007.3 GPG (Hard)2.0 ppb✅ No265 ppm
5Sparks105K 79/1007.1 GPG (Hard)1.9 ppb✅ No260 ppm
6Carson City59K 85/1005.5 GPG (Moderate)1.8 ppb✅ No210 ppm
Water Utilities in Nevada

Nevada has 5 utilities. Major: Las Vegas Valley Water District, City of Henderson Utility Services, Truckee Meadows Water Authority, City of North Las Vegas Utilities, Carson City Public Works.

Sources: Colorado River Lake Mead, Truckee River and groundwater, Kings Canyon Creek and groundwater.

Frequently Asked Questions
Which city has the best water in Nevada?
Carson City scores highest at 85/100. Source: Kings Canyon Creek and groundwater.
Which city has the worst water in Nevada?
Las Vegas scores lowest at 58/100 due to PFAS detected, very hard water, high TDS.
Is Nevada water hard or soft?
Average hardness: 11.4 GPG (Very Hard). 5.1 GPG above the US average of 6.3 GPG. 5 of 6 cities have hard/very hard water.
Has PFAS been found in Nevada water?
PFAS have been detected in 3 of 6 cities (50%) in Nevada. Highest: Las Vegas at 3.2 ppt. Affected: Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson. A reverse osmosis filter is recommended.
What water filter should I use in Nevada?
Nevada has both PFAS (3 cities) and hard water (5 cities). RO for drinking water + softener for whole house.
How does Nevada water compare to the US average?
Score: 69.5/100 (8.4 points below US avg 77.9). Hardness: 11.4 GPG (5.1 GPG above US avg 6.3).
Where does Nevada get its drinking water?Where does Nevada get its drinking water?
Nevada water comes from: Surface Water: 3 cities (50%), Mixed (Ground + Surface): 3 cities (50%).
Data Sources & Methodology
  • EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System
  • EWG Tap Water Database
  • State utility Consumer Confidence Reports
  • USGS regional water monitoring data

PurityMap compiles publicly available data and does not perform independent testing.

How we analyze water Data sources
All Nevada Cities with Water Reports

6 city water quality reports available for Nevada.

6 Reports
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Showing all 6 cities
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