Whether you already live in the area or are planning on moving here, you have likely asked the question: “Is Las Vegas tap water safe to drink?” After all, you’ve probably heard plenty of talk about how “bad” the water quality is here. But is it really bad enough that you shouldn’t drink it at all?
At Serv-All Water Conditioning, we understand the importance of water quality firsthand and are here to provide you with comprehensive insights into the safety of drinking Las Vegas tap water. So, let’s take a closer look at this multifaceted question now!
Can You Drink Tap Water in Las Vegas?
The short answer is yes, Las Vegas tap water is technically safe to drink. It meets or exceeds all the stringent standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Safe Drinking Water Act. However, “safe” doesn’t always mean “optimal.”
Where Las Vegas Water Comes From
Las Vegas gets about 90% of its water supply from Lake Mead, which is fed by the Colorado River. The remaining portion is supplied by underground aquifers. The water is then treated at municipal water treatment plants and delivered to homes through the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA).
The water treatment plants use multiple processes, including filtration, disinfection, and chemical adjustments, to ensure the water meets or exceeds federal safety standards set by the EPA. These guidelines set strict limits for how much lead, arsenic, nitrates, microbial organisms, and other contaminants can appear in the average household water supply to be considered “safe.” According to the SNWA’s annual water quality reports, Las Vegas consistently meets these federal guidelines.
If Las Vegas Water Is Treated, What’s the Problem?
If Las Vegas water meets EPA standards, why does it have such a bad reputation? There are a few reasons:
- Taste and Odor: Because the water comes from the Colorado River and sits in Lake Mead, it naturally picks up a strong mineral flavor. Chlorine used during the disinfection process can also leave a noticeable taste and smell.
- Hard Water: Las Vegas is known for having some of the hardest water in the United States, and this type of water can leave spots on dishes, scale buildup in plumbing, and dry out skin and hair, among other things!
- Trace Amounts of Contaminants: Even though the water is treated, many people are aware that trace levels of contaminants still exist. Hearing about issues like microplastics or emerging pollutants naturally makes residents more cautious.
Contaminants That May Still Remain in Your Tap Water
Common contaminants that can still remain in Las Vegas tap water even after municipal water treatment include:
- Chlorine & Chloramine
- Calcium & Magnesium (Hard Water Minerals)
- Lead
- Microbial contaminants
- Pesticides
- And more!
While none of these pose immediate health risks at the levels found in Las Vegas water, many families want to reduce them as much as possible.
How to Make Your Las Vegas Drinking Water Safer
For absolute peace of mind, consider installing a reverse osmosis (RO) system. RO systems push water through a specialized membrane that removes up to 99% of common contaminants, including:
- Lead
- Arsenic
- Fluoride
- Nitrates
- Chlorine byproducts
- Microorganisms
The result is water that is exceptionally pure, with a clean, crisp taste that is noticeably better than both standard tap water and many brands of bottled water. Ultimately, an RO system will give you peace of mind that the water your family drinks and cooks with is as clean and safe as it can possibly be.
Tackle Hard Water With a Water Softener
While a reverse osmosis system handles improving your home’s drinking water quality, a water softener tackles the problems commonly associated with hard water. It does so by removing calcium and magnesium from your entire home’s water supply, which helps:
- Reduce scale buildup in pipes and appliances
- Keep dishes and glassware sparkling clean
- Extend the lifespan of water heaters and washing machines
- Make skin and hair feel softer and less dry
For even better results, pair a water softener with an RO system and get the best of both worlds.
Find the Best Water Treatment Solutions at Serv-All
So, is Las Vegas tap water safe to drink? Yes, according to federal guidelines. But can it be significantly better? Absolutely.
At Serv-All Water Conditioning, we specialize in helping Las Vegas homeowners choose the right water treatment solutions for their needs, whether it’s a reverse osmosis system for better-tasting drinking water or a water softener to protect your home and improve your comfort. You can count on our team to not only help you select the right system but also install it correctly. That way, you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Contact us today to learn more about our reverse osmosis systems, water softeners, and other water solutions designed for Las Vegas homes. It all starts with a simple water test!