As a team dedicated to improving your water quality, we’re often asked, “Is the tap water in Las Vegas safe to drink?”
The Las Vegas water supply originates from the pristine snowmelt in the Rockies, traveling down through the Colorado River. The city’s tap water is regularly tested and considered safe for consumption.
However, while the water is deemed safe, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best quality for your home. Let’s dive into the details of Las Vegas’ water, and how Rain Water Conditioning of Las Vegas can help enhance its quality.
Contact Rain Water Conditioning of Las Vegas today.
Is the Water in Las Vegas Safe To Drink?
Yes, tap water in Las Vegas is considered safe to drink. It meets or exceeds all federal and state health standards, as stated by the Las Vegas Valley Water District. Some standards that are required to be met include maximum lead content, disinfectant levels, and microbial contaminants.
The Las Vegas Valley Water District tests for over 150 different compounds each year and 80 common organic chemicals each month. Plus, 60% of the water is delivered directly from the Colorado River, creating some of the most pristine water in the country.
But to really understand what’s going on with your tap water, it’s important to assess each of the indicators that make up the overall quality of your water.
In Homes
You use your home’s water for multiple purposes, including the following:
- Bathing
- Brushing teeth
- Cooking
- Housecleaning
- Laundry
- Washing dishes
- Watering plants/gardens
Although the water delivered to residences in Vegas is considered safe to drink, each home has variables that can affect the water quality and taste. If your residence was constructed before 1978, there is a risk of higher lead levels in your drinking water. There is a greater risk of older pipes and fixtures containing lead. When these pipes and fixtures corrode, lead can get into the building’s water supply.
Lead Exposure
Lead leaches into the water supply from old pipes that are corroding. Foods such as pasta, vegetables, and rice absorb water when cooked, which means you may be inadvertently adding lead to your meals. Using tap water from corroded pipes puts you at risk of consuming water contaminated with lead. If you use your home’s water to water vegetables in your garden, your vegetables could contain lead.
In Hotels and Resorts
Many people visit Las Vegas each year. People travel to Vegas to try their luck in the casinos or visit famous sites in and near Vegas. Others come to get married or witness friends or family members tie the knot. There are also millions who visit Vegas while attending conventions. In 2024, almost 42 million people visited the city.
Most people visiting Las Vegas will stay in a hotel or resort in the city. Tourists rely on the venue providing their accommodation to ensure its safety; still, since Las Vegas is known for hard water, it’s natural to wonder if the water in hotels and resorts is safe to drink.
There is a greater risk of lead in the water in hotels constructed before 1978; however, even lead-free pipes and fixtures can be a source of lead contamination. Still, the risk is minimal, and there are ways you can reduce your risks while staying in a Vegas hotel or resort.
For starters, you can stay in a hotel or resort constructed after 1978. Buildings constructed after 1978 have lead-free plumbing.
You can also use bottled water. Hotels and resorts typically supply bottled water, which is purified and safe to drink. It also tastes better than tap water. You can drink bottled water and use it when brushing your teeth.
Las Vegas Tap Water Quality
The local water supply source and geology significantly impact the quality of Vegas’ drinking water.
Las Vegas Water Supply
A small percentage of Las Vegas’ water comes from Lake Mead, while most of the city’s water supply comes from the Colorado River. Although the Colorado River is an excellent source of pure water, contaminants can enter the water supply at any point as it travels from its source to the city’s water treatment facilities. Once the water reaches Las Vegas, it’s treated and distributed throughout the city.
Reputation for Poor Taste
Las Vegas is known for its hard water, which is attributed to the high volume of minerals, such as calcium, in the local water supply. Hard water is known for its bitter taste and chalky texture. Since it has a reputation for poor taste and texture, many people prefer alternatives to drinking tap water in Vegas, such as filtered or bottled water.
Elements Affecting Las Vegas Tap Water Quality
The following elements affect the quality of your tap water in Las Vegas:
PH
The pH of Las Vegas tap water measures around 7.9, falling within the safe range of 6.5 – 8.5 pH units. This balance helps ensure the water isn’t too acidic or basic, which could potentially harm your health or plumbing systems.
Contaminants
Contaminants are a concern in most water supplies, and Las Vegas is no exception. Some common contaminants found in tap water include:
- Heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, and copper
- Pesticides
- Fertilizers
- Industrial pollutants from manufacturing plants
- Microorganisms like bacteria and viruses
- Hormone-disrupting chemicals
The journey of the water from the mountains to our faucets in Las Vegas provides ample opportunities for various contaminants to infiltrate it. While the Colorado River’s water is generally clean, it is not immune to potential pollutants that can be introduced at any point before it reaches our homes.
Chlorine
Chlorine is used to disinfect the water supply and kill any harmful microorganisms. However, some people may find the taste and smell of chlorine in their water unpleasant.
Arsenic
Arsenic, a naturally occurring element, can also be found in Las Vegas tap water. While it’s typically present at safe levels, long-term exposure to high levels of arsenic in drinking water is not advised.
Lead
Lead is another element that can be found in Las Vegas tap water. According to the most recent water quality report, lead is present in an average of about 2.6 parts per billion. While this falls within federal safety standards, no level of lead is considered completely safe.
Water Hardness
Hard water refers to the amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium in the water. Las Vegas water is known to be quite hard, due to the high mineral content of the Colorado River, which supplies about 90% of the city’s water.
Who Should Be Cautious About Drinking Tap Water?
The presence of lead and hardness of the water may make you wonder if the water in Las Vegas is safe to drink. While tap water is generally considered safe for consumption, certain groups may opt to exercise caution:
- Pregnant individuals: It’s always a good idea for those expecting to consume the highest quality water possible.
- Infants: If using water to mix baby formula, parents may want to consider using filtered or bottled water instead.
- People with compromised immune systems: Individuals with weakened immune systems may opt to drink bottled or filtered water instead of tap water.
Remember, if you have any concerns about your tap water, it’s always a good idea to have it tested. This can provide peace of mind and help you make informed decisions over time.
How Can I Make Sure the Water in My Las Vegas Home Is Safe To Drink?
To make sure your water is safe to drink, consider the following steps:
Regular Water Testing
Las Vegas invests in water testing to ensure the water is safe. The city operates 380 sampling stations, and tested over 62,000 samples in 2024.
Although the city follows rigorous testing protocols to ensure the water supply meets federal safety regulations, that doesn’t guarantee your home’s water is contaminant-free. Contaminants can enter your home’s water supply because of damage to your plumbing system, particularly if you live in an older home.
One way to ensure you can drink the tap water in your Las Vegas home is to test your home’s water supply routinely. You can invest in home testing kits and test your water regularly to ensure the water is safe to drink.
If you prefer not to perform the tests yourself, you can opt for professional testing services. Our water experts will conduct the tests on your behalf and provide a comprehensive assessment of your home’s water quality.
Discover what sets us apart: the Rain Water difference.
Install a Water Filtration System
A water filtration system can help remove impurities and potential contaminants from your tap water, providing you with cleaner, safer water for daily con
sumption.
This system works in several steps to ensure the water you consume is clean and safe:
- Aeration: This process adds air to the water, allowing gases and other volatile compounds to escape.
- Physical filtration: This is essentially straining the water to remove larger impurities. It’s akin to a sieve that filters out larger particles from the water.
- Coagulation: This process suspends solids in the water, making them easier to filter out.
- Sediment pre-filter: This is a common first step in whole-house filters, where larger particles are removed before the water goes through additional filtering stages.
- Advanced filtration: Depending on the system, there may be additional stages of filtration to target specific contaminants. For example, some systems use activated carbon filters to remove unwanted tastes and odors.
- Final treatment: The now-filtered water flows up the center of the system and is ready for use.
Use a Water Softener
Water softeners can reduce the hardness of your water by removing excess minerals. This not only improves the taste and feel of your water but can also be beneficial for your skin and hair.
A water softener works by using ion exchange, a process that replaces the calcium and magnesium in water with “softer” ions (usually sodium), resulting in softened water.
This can be done easily with a simple countertop system or a more advanced whole-house filter.
Get a Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
Reverse osmosis water filtration systems purify your home’s water, ensuring it is safe to drink. A reverse osmosis water filtration systems remove many contaminants, including the following:
- Bacteria
- Chemicals
- Lead
- Viruses
You’ll maximize your benefits and the quality of your home’s water by combining a water softener with a reverse osmosis water filtration system. Sodium is added to your home’s water during the water-softening process. While water softening removes the minerals that make water hard, higher sodium levels remain in the water unless it’s filtered. Running the water through a reverse osmosis water filtration system after softening is an effective way to remove the sodium.
Discover the ways a reverse osmosis water filtration system will improve your home’s water.
Complimentary Free Reverse Osmosis System When You Purchase a Quad 80 Water Conditioner, Only at Rain Water Conditioning of Las Vegas
Investing in an outstanding water treatment system pays off, as ensuring your water is safe protects you from harmful contaminants, such as viruses and lead. Treating hard water also prevents damage to your appliances and clothes.
At Rain Water Conditioning of Las Vegas, we understand the importance of having safe water in your home. We also understand that it’s a significant investment, which is why we offer a complimentary reverse osmosis filtration system when you purchase and have us install a Quad 80 water conditioning system.
We believe in the quality of our products, which is why we back them up with a no-lemon policy and offer a 10-year, 100% warranty on parts.
Consider Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is an eco-friendly solution to improve your water quality. Rainwater is naturally soft, and when properly collected and filtered, it can provide a reliable source of high-quality water.
You can get started with rainwater harvesting with a simple collection system, such as a barrel or tank. This is an easy and cost-effective way to collect water from your roof without having to purchase large storage tanks.
Stay Informed About Your Local Water Quality
Keep up-to-date with local water quality reports. These reports can provide valuable information about any potential issues with your local water supply, helping you take proactive measures to ensure your water’s safety.
In order to keep up with Las Vegas’ water quality, you can check the Las Vegas Water District’s website.
How Can I Make Sure My Tap Water Tastes Good?
Your journey to great-tasting water begins with testing your water and using the information from your water report to ensure you remove minerals and contaminants that affect the water’s taste, texture, and safety.
Depending on the age of your home, you may need to replace pipes and fixtures that are corroding.
Investing in a water softener is an effective way to treat Vegas’ hard water and improve your water’s taste and texture.
Filtering the water in your home ensures that harmful contaminants are removed from your water, allowing you to enjoy safe and great-tasting water.
Final Thoughts
So, can you drink the tap water in Las Vegas? Yes! But remember, while the city’s water supply has been approved, there are plenty of additional precautions you can take to make sure your tap water is the best quality possible. Rain Water Conditioning of Las Vegas can help you every step of the way.
Have questions or need expert advice? We’re here to help! Reach out to us today, and let’s start a conversation about your water needs.
Contact Rain Water Conditioning of Las Vegas.
Sources:
Arsenic. (2022).
Brean, H. (2015). Las Vegas water safe to drink, but comes with warning.
Drinking Water Chlorination: Frequently Asked Questions. (2024).
Las Vegas Valley Water District. (2025).
Las Vegas Valley Water District 2025 Water Quality Report. (2025).
Las Vegas Valley Water District Water Quality Summary. (2025).
Sources of Lead Exposure. (2025).
Velotta, R. (2025). How many people visit Las Vegas each year?
Water testing and treatment. (2025).
Tags: hard water, las vegas, water conditioner, water softener