Is Searchlight, NV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
94.3/100
waterverge.com Searchlight, NV — Water Quality Report
Searchlight's drinking water received a grade of A (94.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 760 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.8 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 8 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Searchlight's water
Searchlight ranks #4 out of 66 cities in Nevada for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Searchlight 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, Searchlight may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Searchlight, NV water safe to drink?
Searchlight's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (94.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 760 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Searchlight
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Searchlight's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94.3/100).
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3243). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (Pre-TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (Pre-TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-723). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Searchlight's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Searchlight's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Clark County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1981. 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 Sloan Channel Trib, Sloan Channel, Flamingo Wash, Lv Wash, Las Vegas Wash.
Where does Searchlight's water come from?
Searchlight's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 760 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sloan Channel Trib (river), Sloan Channel (river), Flamingo Wash (river), Lv Wash (river), Las Vegas Wash (river).
What Searchlight residents can do
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.
Searchlight's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtClark 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
Clark County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1981. 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. | 0.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Searchlight compares by contaminant
Explore where Searchlight ranks among all Nevada cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Searchlight's water comes from
Searchlight'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 760 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Searchlight
Searchlight is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Searchlight
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEARCHLIGHT WATER COMPANY | NV0000219 | 760 | GW |
How Searchlight compares
Full Nevada rankings →Searchlight's score of 94.3/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major Nevada cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nevada rankings →About Searchlight, NV
Wikipedia →Las Vegas, colloquially referred to as Vegas, is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and the seat of Clark County. It is the 24th-most populous city in the United States, with 641,903 residents at the 2020 census. The Las Vegas metropolitan area has an estimated 2.4 million residents and is the 29th-largest metropolitan area in the country. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city, known primarily for its gambling, shopping, fine dining, entertainment, and nightlife. Most of these venues are located in downtown Las Vegas or on the Las Vegas Strip, which is outside city limits in the unincorporated towns of Paradise and Winchester. The Las Vegas Valley serves as the leading financial, commercial, and cultural center in Nevada.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Searchlight's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Clark
Frequently asked questions
Is Searchlight, NV tap water safe to drink?
Searchlight's water quality earned a grade of A (94.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #4 out of 66 cities tested in Nevada.
What contaminants are in Searchlight's water?
Lead was measured at 0.8 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is Searchlight'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 Searchlight?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Searchlight's water come from?
Searchlight's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 760 residents.
Is Searchlight's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Searchlight 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 8 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 Searchlight's water compare to other cities?
Searchlight ranks #4 out of 66 cities in Nevada (better than 94% of state cities) and #552 out of 15744 cities nationally (97th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Searchlight's small water system affect quality?
Searchlight's system serves approximately 760 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 8 violations on record.