Is Las Vegas Tap Water Safe to Drink?
A comprehensive look at Las Vegas water quality, contaminant levels, and what it means for your health—based on official Consumer Confidence Reports.
The Short Answer
Yes, Las Vegas tap water is safe to drink. The water supplied by the Las Vegas Valley Water District (LVVWD) meets or exceeds all federal and state safety standards. While the water is notoriously "hard" and may have a distinct taste due to chlorine treatment, it is sanitary and disease-free.
What Standards Does It Meet?
Las Vegas water complies with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), enforced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP).
- EPA Regulated — Tested for over 100 regulated and unregulated substances
- State Certified — Nevada NDEP provides additional oversight and compliance verification
- Annual Reports — Consumer Confidence Reports published annually with full transparency
Contaminants Detected
Trace amounts of naturally occurring minerals and treatment byproducts are detected, but they remain well within safe limits.
Key Measurements
| Contaminant | Las Vegas Level | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic | 1.8 ppb | 10 ppb | Safe |
| Lead (system-wide) | 2.6 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Safe |
| Nitrates | Low | 10 ppm | Safe |
| Disinfection Byproducts (THMs) | Within limits | 80 ppb | Compliant |
Cryptosporidium
This microscopic parasite is naturally present in Lake Mead (the source of 90% of Las Vegas water). The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) uses ozone treatment and filtration to destroy and remove it. Treatment facilities are EPA-certified for Cryptosporidium detection and removal.
Is Hard Water a Health Concern?
No. Las Vegas water is classified as "very hard" (16-17 GPG or 278-304 PPM), but water hardness is not a health concern.
The high levels of calcium and magnesium that cause hardness come from the Colorado River. These minerals are actually dietary nutrients—they're good for you.
Not Health Concerns
- Calcium and magnesium (essential nutrients)
- Mineral taste or smell
- White scale buildup
Practical Issues Only
- Dry skin and hair
- Spots on glassware
- Scale in appliances
For solutions to hard water issues, see our Las Vegas water hardness guide.
Special Populations
Babies and Infants
Las Vegas tap water is generally safe for mixing baby formula. Fluoride is present at approximately 0.7 mg/L (the optimal level recommended for dental health). Parents concerned about dental fluorosis (faint white spots on developing teeth) might consider alternating with bottled water, though this is primarily a cosmetic consideration.
Immunocompromised Individuals
The water is treated to remove 99% of Cryptosporidium. However, individuals with severely compromised immune systems (those undergoing chemotherapy or with HIV/AIDS) are often advised by the CDC to:
- Boil water — Brings water to a rolling boil for 1 minute
- Use certified filters — NSF 53 or NSF 58 certified filters as an extra precaution
- Consult your doctor — Get personalized guidance based on your health status
Pets
Las Vegas tap water is safe for pets. The hard water minerals are generally safe for animals, though the taste might deter picky pets. If your pet refuses tap water, trying a filtered pitcher might help.
Practical Tips for Las Vegas Tap Water
- 1Chill it — Keep a pitcher in the fridge. This allows chlorine smell to dissipate and improves taste significantly.
- 2Flush the tap — If the faucet hasn't been used for 6+ hours (especially in older homes), run cold water for 30-60 seconds to flush any potential lead from pipes.
- 3Use a filter for taste — A simple carbon filter (Brita, Pur) removes chlorine taste. Not required for safety.
- 4Consider RO for complete filtration — Reverse osmosis removes hardness minerals, arsenic traces, and TDS if desired.
Official Sources
Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA)
Regional water treatment and testing oversight
Treatment & Testing Information →Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP)
State-certified laboratories for home water testing