Frequently Asked Questions

Where does our water come from?

Southern Nevada's drinking water mostly comes from Lake Mead with a small portion coming from groundwater. Most of the water drawn from Lake Mead comes from the Colorado River with some coming from the Virgin and Muddy rivers and the Las Vegas Wash.

Groundwater comes from the principal, or deep water, aquifer. Generally located from 300 to 1,500 feet below land surface, this underground rock is permeable enough to allow water to flow through it. Groundwater is drawn through wells and is used to supplement water from Lake Mead during summer months. Learn more about Southern Nevada's water resources at snwa.com.

How is tap water treated?

Water delivered by the Las Vegas Valley Water District is treated at either the Alfred Merritt Smith Water Treatment Facility or the River Mountains Treatment Facility.

The water treatment process begins with disinfection. Water is disinfected using ozonation, a treatment process that destroys bacteria and other microorganisms through an infusion of ozone. Ozone is a gas produced by subjecting oxygen molecules to high electrical voltages. Next, the water is aerated to reduce odors and increase the water's oxygen content. Microscopic particles are then combined through a process called flocculation. These larger, combined particles are removed through the use of a multi-layered filter composed of anthracite coal, silica sand and garnet sand. After filtration, chemicals are added to prevent contamination and corrosion as the water travels through the distribution system. Learn more with the water treatment interactive.

What is the Safe Drinking Water Act, and how does it protect consumers?

For the hundreds of millions of water consumers in the United States, the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) ensures that water treatment standards are the same throughout the country. It establishes maximum levels for a wide range of substances in drinking water.

How does the Las Vegas Valley Water District make sure our water meets Safe Drinking Water standards?

Every month, the LVVWD’s Water Quality Division collects and analyzes water samples from throughout the service area. The SDWA requires water purveyors to test for nearly 100 chemical, radiological and bacteriological contaminants. The district monitors approximately 150 regulated and unregulated contaminants. The results of these tests are available by calling (702) 258-3215.

The LVVWD also publishes and distributes an annual water quality report that provides information about test results, source water, treatment methods, and other important issues. This report is generally mailed to customers in July, or can be requested by calling the number above.

If the water meets federal and state standards, why is there so much media coverage about contaminants?

All drinking water—even bottled water—contains some level of contaminants. However, these naturally-occurring and artificial materials do not necessarily present a health risk. While news reports about water quality are generally accurate, they don’t always convey the risk level. For instance, a contaminant may be harmful only if a person consumes hundreds—or even thousands—of gallons of water a day. For detailed information about contaminants and potential health effects, consumers can call the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

Are there any precautions the public should take?

While most people can drink tap water all their lives with no ill effects, people with weakened immune systems need to pay special attention to everything they consume. These immunocompromised groups include people undergoing chemotherapy, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, those who have undergone organ transplants, and some infants and elderly persons. These people should seek advice from their primary health care provider about potential risks.

What’s that taste in the tap water?

When you “taste” tap water, what you’re actually tasting is chlorine. Our tap water also contains naturally occurring calcium and magnesium, but those minerals aren’t detectable by taste at the levels occurring in Southern Nevada’s water supply. These two minerals cause hard water, resulting in "cloudy-looking" ice and chalky deposits on faucets.

Can’t you make the water taste better?

Southern Nevada's water supply meets or exceeds all state and federal drinking water standards. Adding chlorine during the water-treatment process helps protect the water supply. However, chlorine's taste may not appeal to you. View our tips for ways to improve the taste of your water.

Do water treatment devices really work?

There are a wide variety of water treatment systems and filters available to consumers. Most of these only affect the aesthetic qualities of tap water such as taste and smell. Advertisers’ claims about safety concerns, however, are not as clear. There are no apparent health advantages to purchasing a home treatment system for most people, with the possible exception of immunocompromised individuals.

The decision to install a home water treatment device is strictly a personal one that should be based on preference rather than concerns over water quality. NSF International, an independent, not-for-profit organization, certifies water treatment systems and can provide information about the benefits of various devices. Consumers can reach NSF International at (800) 673-6275 or online at www.nsf.org.

How can the public get involved?

The Las Vegas Valley Water District Board of Directors meets at 9 a.m. on the first and third Tuesday of each month. These meetings are open to the public, and citizens have the opportunity to ask questions about water-related issues during each session. The board meetings are held at the Clark County Government Center, 500 S. Grand Central Parkway.

Who can I call if I have questions?

The Las Vegas Valley Water District’s Water Quality Division can be reached at (702) 258-3215. Questions can also be sent online or mailed to:

Las Vegas Valley Water District
1001 S. Valley View Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89153.

The telephone number for the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline is (800) 426-4791.