WaterVerge

Is Eureka, NV Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B+, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

987 residents served 4 water systems PWSID: NV0000044
Overall Score
84 / 100
Violations
10 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#29 of 66 in Nevada Top 39% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
84/100
waterverge.com
B+ 84/100

Eureka, NV — Water Quality Report

Eureka's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 987 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.

The system has 58 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Eureka's water

Eureka ranks #29 out of 66 cities in Nevada for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

Eureka relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.

As a small community water system, Eureka may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
84 out of 100 Grade B+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
34/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Eureka, NV water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Eureka's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 987 residents using groundwater (wells).

10
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
2 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Eureka

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Eureka's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84/100).

Violation
3 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Disaster
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4708). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Nitrate.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3243). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Eureka's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Eureka's water system has 58 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

OtherMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Oct 2024 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Oct 2024 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Oct 2024 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jan 2023 Nitrate Resolved
Jan 2021 Arsenic Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Eureka County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Slough.

SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4708
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3243

Where does Eureka's water come from?

Eureka's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 987 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Slough (river).

What Eureka residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Eureka's water.

Request your utility's CCR

Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.

Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

58
Total violations
9
Health-based
10
Active / unresolved
Oct 2024
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

58 Total
10 Active
9 Health-based
48 Resolved
2 SNC
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
28
Nitrate Rule
10
Arsenic Rule
4
Lead and Copper Rule
4
Consumer Confidence Rule
3
Oct 2024 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2024 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2024 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 1994 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 1994 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 1994 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 1994 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2023 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2023
Jan 2021 Resolved
Arsenic
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2021
Jan 2016 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2018
Jan 2016 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2018
Apr 2011 Resolved
Arsenic
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2011
Aug 2008 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 2008
Jan 2008 Resolved
Arsenic
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2008
Jan 2008 Resolved
Arsenic
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2008
Jan 2008 Resolved
Combined Uranium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2013
Apr 2007 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Apr 2007
Showing 20 of 58 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Eureka

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Eureka, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
RUBY HILL MINING CO LLC
Metal Mining · PREMIER GOLD MINES USA INC
EUREKA, NV89316
3.2 mi
GOLD BAR MINE
Metal Mining · MCEWEN MINING INC
EUREKA, NV89316
1.7 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Eureka County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.

3
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
29.4%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
3
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

2
Declared disasters
Apr 2023
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Eureka County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Apr 2023
SEVERE WINTER STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4708
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3243

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 1.8 ppb from 1993 (1.8 ppb) to 2026 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
987
Water Systems
4
Source breakdown
Groundwater
3
Purchased Groundwater
1
Water Source

Where Eureka's water comes from

Groundwater

Eureka's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.

Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.

Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.

The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 987 people through 4 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Eureka

Eureka is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Slough
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Eureka

System Name PWSID Population Source
EUREKA WATER ASSOCIATION NV0000044 450 GW
CRESCENT VALLEY WATER SYSTEM NV0000043 340 GW
DEVILS GATE WATER SYSTEM GID 2 NV0002573 132 GWP
DEVILS GATE GID DISTRICT 1 NV0002574 65 GW
Regional Comparison

How Eureka compares

Full Nevada rankings →

Eureka's score of 84/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major Nevada cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Eureka (this city)
84
Las Vegas
39.8
Reno
29.3
Reno
72.2
Henderson
51.8
Nevada avg
57
City Profile

About Eureka, NV

Economic Profile
$72,113
Median Income
$778/mo
Median Rent
0%
Unemployment
Community
61.6
Median Age
94
People / sq mi
8.4%
College Educated
64.2%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Eureka, NV tap water safe to drink?

Eureka's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #29 out of 66 cities tested in Nevada.

What contaminants are in Eureka's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 58 violations are on record.

How is Eureka's water quality grade calculated?

The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.

Do I need a water filter in Eureka?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Eureka's water come from?

Eureka's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 987 residents.

What health violations has Eureka's water system had?

Eureka has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.

Is Eureka's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Eureka uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 58 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.

How does Eureka's water compare to other cities?

Eureka ranks #29 out of 66 cities in Nevada (better than 56% of state cities) and #6159 out of 15744 cities nationally (61th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.