Testing and treating the water supply

Searchlight’s water supply is closely monitored. Every month, Water District scientists collect and analyze water samples from Searchlight's water supply to ensure it meets all Safe Drinking Water Act.

Because Searchlight's water supply is protected within the principal groundwater aquifer, it doesn't require the level of treatment associated with surface water sources. Once pumped from the principal aquifer, the water is disinfected with sodium hypochlorite (chlorine) to kill any potentially harmful microscopic organisms. When water from Well S-2 is drawn, it also is treated for arsenic removal at a treatment plant located by the well to ensure Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

Monitoring waivers

The Searchlight Water System currently has monitoring waivers for certain chemical contaminants regulated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

A monitoring waiver means the Water District does not have to test the water for these chemicals at the frequency required by the EPA.

Waivers are granted by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection after conducting a vulnerability assessment. The agency’s assessment of the Searchlight water system established that contamination from these chemicals is unlikely, based on a study of:

• The geology of the area
• Past and current land uses (such as mining), and
• The existence of potential sources of contamination

For details about the specific chemicals for which there are monitoring waivers, please call the Water District at 702-258-3215 or contact us via email.

For additional information, call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 or visit the EPA website, which offers information about national efforts to protect groundwater sources.