Water Quality in North Las Vegas, NV

North Las Vegas's water has very hard water (286 PPM) and elevated nitrates (6 mg/L). A water softener is recommended to protect plumbing and appliances. Read below for a full breakdown.

City of North Las Vegas · Source: Lake Mead · Serves 262,527 residents

286
Hardness (PPM)
542
TDS (PPM)
1.5
Chlorine (mg/L)
4
PFAS (ppt)
1
Lead (ppb)
286 PPM 0 400 Extremely Hard
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 286 PPM TDS 542 PPM PFAS 4 ppt Lead 1 ppb Chlorine 1.5 mg/L Nitrate 6 mg/L

Hardness Scale: Where North Las Vegas Falls

Soft 060120180250400+
Very hard waterVery high TDS

Same Lake Mead source as Las Vegas — extreme hardness.

What North Las Vegas's Water Means for Your Home

North Las Vegas residents deal with some of the hardest municipal water in the country. At 286 PPM (16.7 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 286 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 North Las Vegas homeowners discover this only after a water heater replacement or plumber visit.

Beyond hardness, North Las Vegas's water quality is generally within EPA guidelines for regulated contaminants. Chlorine is present at 1.5 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)286 PPM< 60 PPMNo federal limit⚠ Very Hard
Total Dissolved Solids542 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 / Chloramine1.5 mg/LTaste threshold ~1.04.0 mg/L✓ Normal
Nitrate6 mg/L5 mg/L10 mg/L⚠ Elevated

Recommendations for North Las Vegas Homes

🧂 Water Softener
At 286 PPM (16.7 GPG), North Las Vegas'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 North Las Vegas household of 2 to 4 people, a 48,000-grain softener is the right starting size.
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🍼 Reverse Osmosis for Drinking Water
Nitrate measured at 6 mg/L, above the health guideline of 5 mg/L. Nitrate is especially dangerous for infants under 6 months (blue baby syndrome). A point-of-use reverse osmosis system under your kitchen sink is the most effective nitrate removal method for drinking and cooking water.
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About North Las Vegas's Water Supply

Water Utility: City of North Las Vegas

Water Source: Lake Mead

Population Served: 262,527

Hardness: 286 PPM (16.7 grains per gallon)

Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by City of North Las Vegas. 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 North Las Vegas to Other Nevada Cities

Las Vegas

290 PPM · Very Hard

Henderson

281 PPM · Extremely Hard

Reno

92 PPM · Moderately Hard

Sparks

78 PPM · Moderately Hard

Frequently Asked Questions About North Las Vegas Water

Is North Las Vegas tap water safe to drink?
North Las Vegas'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 North Las Vegas?
Yes. At 286 PPM (16.7 GPG), North Las Vegas'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 North Las Vegas home with 2 to 4 residents, a 48,000-grain system is the most common starting size.
What water filter is best for North Las Vegas?
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 North Las Vegas's water come from?
North Las Vegas's drinking water is sourced from Lake Mead and treated by City of North Las Vegas. Same Lake Mead source as Las Vegas — extreme hardness..
What is the hardness of North Las Vegas water in grains per gallon?
North Las Vegas's water hardness is 16.7 grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 286 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 North Las Vegas water damage tankless water heaters?
Yes. Most tankless water heater manufacturers recommend water hardness below 7 to 11 GPG (120 to 188 PPM). At 16.7 GPG, North Las Vegas'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 North Las Vegas water safe for babies and infants?
Caution is warranted. Nitrate levels in North Las Vegas are 6 mg/L, which is above the health guideline of 5 mg/L. Nitrate can cause methemoglobinemia (blue baby syndrome) in infants under 6 months. If you have an infant, use a reverse osmosis filter or bottled water for formula preparation until nitrate levels are confirmed below 5 mg/L.
How much does hard water cost a North Las Vegas household per year?
At 286 PPM, hard water costs the average North Las Vegas 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 North Las Vegas 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 North Las Vegas Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.