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 ↓
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.
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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Eureka, NV water safe to drink?
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).
Recent water quality updates for Eureka
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Eureka's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4708). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
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.
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.
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.
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
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Eureka's water.
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.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
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.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
RUBY HILL MINING CO LLC EUREKA, NV89316 | — | — | 3.2 mi |
GOLD BAR MINE EUREKA, NV89316 | — | — | 1.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtEureka 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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
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.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Eureka compares by contaminant
Explore where Eureka ranks among all Nevada cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Eureka's water comes from
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.
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.
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 |
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.
Nearby cities
View Nevada rankings →About Eureka, NV
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Eureka's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Eureka
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.