Is Hawthorne, 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 ↓
77.9/100
waterverge.com Hawthorne, NV — Water Quality Report
Hawthorne's drinking water received a grade of B (77.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,626 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 68 violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hawthorne's water
Hawthorne ranks #40 out of 66 cities in Nevada for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Hawthorne 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.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hawthorne, NV water safe to drink?
Hawthorne's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,626 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hawthorne
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hawthorne's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.9/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4708). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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 Hawthorne's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Hawthorne's water system has 68 total violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Mineral 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.
Where does Hawthorne's water come from?
Hawthorne's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 3,626 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Hawthorne residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hawthorne'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 Hawthorne
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hawthorne, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
US ARMY HAWTHORNE ARMY DEPOT NEW BOMB HAWTHORNE, NV89415 | — | — | 2.4 mi |
US ARMY HAWTHORNE ARMY DEPOT MAIN BASE HAWTHORNE, NV89415 | — | — | 2.1 mi |
BOREALIS MINING CO LLC HAWTHORNE, NV89415 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtMineral County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Mineral 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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hawthorne compares by contaminant
Explore where Hawthorne ranks among all Nevada cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hawthorne's water comes from
Hawthorne'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 3,626 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Hawthorne
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAWTHORNE UTILITIES | NV0000073 | 2,876 | GW |
| WALKER LAKE GID | NV0000268 | 450 | GW |
| HAWTHORNE ARMY DEPOT | NV0000357 | 300 | GW |
How Hawthorne compares
Full Nevada rankings →Hawthorne's score of 77.9/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major Nevada cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nevada rankings →About Hawthorne, NV
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hawthorne's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mineral
Frequently asked questions
Is Hawthorne, NV tap water safe to drink?
Hawthorne's water quality earned a grade of B (77.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #40 out of 66 cities tested in Nevada.
What contaminants are in Hawthorne's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 68 violations are on record.
How is Hawthorne'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 Hawthorne?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hawthorne's water come from?
Hawthorne's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 3,626 residents.
What health violations has Hawthorne's water system had?
Hawthorne has 21 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.
Is Hawthorne's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hawthorne 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 68 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 Hawthorne's water compare to other cities?
Hawthorne ranks #40 out of 66 cities in Nevada (better than 39% of state cities) and #8847 out of 15744 cities nationally (44th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.