Water Quality in Henderson, NV

Henderson's water has very hard water (281 PPM). A water softener is recommended to protect plumbing and appliances. Read below for a full breakdown.

City of Henderson · Source: Lake Mead · Serves 320,189 residents

281
Hardness (PPM)
535
TDS (PPM)
1.6
Chlorine (mg/L)
4
PFAS (ppt)
1
Lead (ppb)
281 PPM 0 400 Extremely Hard
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 281 PPM TDS 535 PPM PFAS 4 ppt Lead 1 ppb Chlorine 1.6 mg/L Nitrate 5 mg/L

Hardness Scale: Where Henderson Falls

Soft 060120180250400+
Extremely hard waterVery high TDS

Henderson's water is identical to Las Vegas — extreme hardness from Lake Mead.

What Henderson's Water Means for Your Home

Henderson residents deal with some of the hardest municipal water in the country. At 281 PPM (16.4 grains per gallon), the water contains high concentrations of dissolved calcium and magnesium picked up from the regional geology as surface water is treated and distributed. This is not a safety issue. The minerals are safe to consume. But they create real, measurable costs for homeowners. Hard water at 281 PPM costs the average household $800 to $1,200 per year in hidden expenses, including higher energy bills from scale-insulated water heaters, increased soap and detergent usage, and premature appliance failure. Many Henderson homeowners discover this only after a water heater replacement or plumber visit.

Beyond hardness, Henderson's water quality is generally within EPA guidelines for regulated contaminants. Chlorine is present at 1.6 mg/L as a disinfectant residual, which is normal for municipal water systems. If you notice a pool-like taste or experience dry skin, a whole-house carbon filter is the most common and affordable solution. For homeowners who want to understand the full picture, requesting your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report provides neighborhood-level data.

ContaminantDetectedHealth GuidelineLegal LimitStatus
Hardness (as CaCO₃)281 PPM< 60 PPMNo federal limit⚠ Very Hard
Total Dissolved Solids535 PPM< 300 PPM500 PPM⚠ Exceeds
PFAS (total)4 ppt4 ppt (EPA)4 ppt (2024)✓ OK
Lead1 ppb0 ppb (no safe level)15 ppb (action level)✓ Low
Chlorine / Chloramine1.6 mg/LTaste threshold ~1.04.0 mg/L✓ Normal
Nitrate5 mg/L5 mg/L10 mg/L✓ OK

Recommendations for Henderson Homes

🧂 Water Softener
At 281 PPM (16.4 GPG), Henderson's water is extremely hard. Scale will accumulate in pipes, water heaters, and on fixtures. A salt-based ion exchange softener removes the calcium and magnesium causing the problem. For a typical Henderson household of 2 to 4 people, a 48,000-grain softener is the right starting size.
Learn more about this solution →
🚿 Whole-House Carbon Filter
Chlorine measured at 1.6 mg/L. While safe to drink, this level often causes noticeable taste, odor, and can dry skin and hair. A whole-house carbon filter removes chlorine from every faucet and shower.
Learn more about this solution →

About Henderson's Water Supply

Water Utility: City of Henderson

Water Source: Lake Mead

Population Served: 320,189

Hardness: 281 PPM (16.4 grains per gallon)

Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by City of Henderson. To get exact numbers for your address, request a copy of the most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your utility, or have your water independently tested.

Compare Henderson to Other Nevada Cities

Las Vegas

290 PPM · Very Hard

Reno

92 PPM · Moderately Hard

North Las Vegas

286 PPM · Extremely Hard

Sparks

78 PPM · Moderately Hard

Frequently Asked Questions About Henderson Water

Is Henderson tap water safe to drink?
Henderson's water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water safety. However, legal limits and health-optimal levels are different things. Review the contaminant table above for specific numbers and how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines.
Do I need a water softener in Henderson?
Yes. At 281 PPM (16.4 GPG), Henderson's water is extremely hard. Without a softener, expect visible scale buildup on faucets and shower heads, reduced water heater efficiency (15 to 25 percent higher energy costs), spotted dishes and glassware, and soap that does not lather well. A salt-based water softener is the standard solution. For a typical Henderson home with 2 to 4 residents, a 48,000-grain system is the most common starting size.
What water filter is best for Henderson?
The best filter depends on which contaminants you want to address. For chlorine taste and odor, an activated carbon filter is effective and affordable, available as under-sink, countertop, or whole-house systems. See our softener vs. filter guide to understand the difference between these categories.
Where does Henderson's water come from?
Henderson's drinking water is sourced from Lake Mead and treated by City of Henderson. Henderson's water is identical to Las Vegas — extreme hardness from Lake Mead..
What is the hardness of Henderson water in grains per gallon?
Henderson's water hardness is 16.4 grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 281 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as extremely hard. Most water softener manufacturers recommend treatment above 7 GPG. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does Henderson water damage tankless water heaters?
Yes. Most tankless water heater manufacturers recommend water hardness below 7 to 11 GPG (120 to 188 PPM). At 16.4 GPG, Henderson's water exceeds this threshold. Scale buildup inside the heat exchanger reduces efficiency and can void the manufacturer's warranty. A water softener installed upstream of the tankless heater is the standard solution.
Is Henderson water safe for babies and infants?
Henderson's water meets all EPA safety standards and is generally considered safe for preparing infant formula. The hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) are not harmful. If your home has older plumbing, running cold water for 30 seconds before use is a good precaution to flush any lead from pipes.
How much does hard water cost a Henderson household per year?
At 281 PPM, hard water costs the average Henderson household an estimated $800 to $1,200 per year in hidden costs. This includes 15 to 25 percent higher water heating bills from scale insulation, 50 to 75 percent more soap and detergent usage, shorter appliance lifespans (water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines), and increased plumbing maintenance. A water softener typically costs $600 to $1,500 installed and $50 to $100 per year in salt, which means most Henderson households see a return on investment within 1 to 2 years.

Data sources. Water quality data compiled from EPA SDWIS, EWG Tap Water Database, USGS water hardness studies, and the City of Henderson Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.