Is Walker River, NV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 16 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
52/100
waterverge.com Walker River, NV — Water Quality Report
Walker River's drinking water received a grade of D+ (52 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 662 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 336 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Walker River's water
Walker River ranks #51 out of 66 cities in Nevada for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Walker River 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, Walker River may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 49 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Walker River, NV water safe to drink?
Walker River's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (52/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 662 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Walker River
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Walker River's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (52/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate, Arsenic.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4708). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Walker River's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Walker River's water system has 336 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved. 49 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. Local water sources include Weber Res Nr Schurz, Walker, Canal No 2, Canal No 1.
Where does Walker River's water come from?
Walker River's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 662 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Weber Res Nr Schurz (lake), Walker (river), Canal No 2 (stream), Canal No 1 (stream).
What Walker River residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Walker River'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
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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Walker River compares by contaminant
Explore where Walker River ranks among all Nevada cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Walker River's water comes from
Walker River'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 native american ownership and serves approximately 662 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Walker River
Walker River is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Walker River
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walker River Paiute Tribe | 093200360 | 662 | GW |
How Walker River compares
Full Nevada rankings →Walker River's score of 52/100 is on par with the average of 57/100 among major Nevada cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nevada rankings →About Walker River, NV
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Walker River's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Walker River, NV tap water safe to drink?
Walker River's water quality earned a grade of D+ (52/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #51 out of 66 cities tested in Nevada.
What contaminants are in Walker River's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 336 violations are on record.
How is Walker River'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 Walker River?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Walker River's water come from?
Walker River's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 662 residents.
What health violations has Walker River's water system had?
Walker River has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 16 violations remain unresolved.
Is Walker River's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Walker River 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 336 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 Walker River's water compare to other cities?
Walker River ranks #51 out of 66 cities in Nevada (better than 23% of state cities) and #12838 out of 15744 cities nationally (19th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Walker River's small water system affect quality?
Walker River's system serves approximately 662 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 336 violations on record.