Lake Mead

Reservoir · Southwest

Serves 8 cities in our database · ~8,745,968 residents

287
Avg Hardness (PPM)
5.8
Avg PFAS (ppt)
2.4
Avg Lead (ppb)
8
Cities Served
Soft
0Slightly
60Moderate
120Hard
180Very Hard
250Extreme
400+
287 PPM Extremely Hard
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 287 PPM TDS 483 PPM PFAS 5.8 ppt Lead 2.4 ppb Chlorine 1.4 mg/L Nitrate 1.3 mg/L

About Lake Mead

Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the United States by volume and the primary water source for Las Vegas and surrounding communities. Formed by Hoover Dam on the Colorado River, it has been in crisis-level drought since 2000.

Geography & Hydrology

At full capacity, Lake Mead holds 26.1 million acre-feet and covers 247 square miles. As of 2024, the reservoir has recovered somewhat from historic lows but remains well below capacity. The Southern Nevada Water Authority draws water through three intake pipes at different depths.

How Lake Mead Water Is Treated

Ozone, activated carbon, and conventional treatment. Las Vegas returns nearly 100% of indoor water to Lake Mead through the advanced water recycling program — effectively reusing the same water multiple times.

Across the 8 cities we track, water from Lake Mead averages 287 PPM hardness (Extremely Hard), ranging from 281 to 290 PPM. This is very hard water - most homeowners benefit from a water softener.

PFAS concern: Cities supplied by Lake Mead average 5.8 ppt PFAS, exceeding the 2024 EPA limit of 4 ppt. An NSF P473 certified filter is recommended for drinking water.

Current Challenges

Chronic drought, declining water levels exposing intake pipes, increasing salinity and mineral concentration as levels drop, and emerging contaminant concerns from upstream sources.

Cities Supplied by Lake Mead

Water quality varies by city due to local treatment, distribution infrastructure, and source blending.

Las Vegas, NV

290 PPM · Extremely Hard 1,539,277 residents

Enterprise, NV

285 PPM · Extremely Hard 1,539,277 residents

Paradise, NV

290 PPM · Extremely Hard 1,539,277 residents

Spring Valley, NV

288 PPM · Extremely Hard 1,539,277 residents

Sunrise Manor, NV

287 PPM · Extremely Hard 1,539,277 residents

North Las Vegas, NV

286 PPM · Extremely Hard 376,515 residents

Henderson, NV

281 PPM · Extremely Hard 336,534 residents

Henderson South, NV

290 PPM · Extremely Hard 336,534 residents

Recommended for Lake Mead Water

Based on average water quality across 8 cities supplied by Lake Mead.

Water Softener SpringWell SS1 ~$1,495 Scale Remover CLR Calcium Lime Rust ~$10 PFAS Filter Clearly Filtered Pitcher ~$90

Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission on purchases. Recommendations based on water quality data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lake Mead water safe to drink?
Water from Lake Mead meets EPA safety standards in all served cities. However, average PFAS levels of 5.8 ppt exceed the 2024 EPA health guideline. A certified water filter is recommended for drinking water.
Why is Lake Mead water so hard?
Lake Mead water picks up dissolved calcium and magnesium from the geological formations along its path. At 287 PPM average, this makes it extremely hard.
How many people drink Lake Mead water?
Lake Mead supplies drinking water to 8 cities in our database, serving approximately 8,745,968 residents. The largest cities include Las Vegas, NV; Enterprise, NV; Paradise, NV.
Do I need a water filter for Lake Mead water?
Yes. With PFAS averaging 5.8 ppt, a reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter is recommended. Look for NSF P473 certification.