Is Zephyr Cove, NV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 15 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
54.4/100
waterverge.com Zephyr Cove, NV — Water Quality Report
Zephyr Cove's drinking water received a grade of D+ (54.4 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,734 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.4 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 162 violations on record, including 26 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Zephyr Cove's water
Zephyr Cove ranks #50 out of 66 cities in Nevada for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Zephyr Cove may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 26 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Zephyr Cove, NV water safe to drink?
Zephyr Cove's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (54.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,734 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Zephyr Cove
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Zephyr Cove's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (54.4/100).
Contaminants: Pentachlorophenol.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Zephyr Cove's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Zephyr Cove's water system has 162 total violations on record, including 26 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved. 26 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Douglas County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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 E Fk Carson Rv Nr Gardnerville, E Fk Carson Rv Nr Dresslerville, Indian, E Fk Carson Rvr Nr Muller Ln Midstream Transect.
Where does Zephyr Cove's water come from?
Zephyr Cove's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,734 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include E Fk Carson Rv Nr Gardnerville (river), E Fk Carson Rv Nr Dresslerville (river), Indian (river), E Fk Carson Rvr Nr Muller Ln Midstream Transect (river).
What Zephyr Cove residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Zephyr Cove'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.
Zephyr Cove'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 droughtDouglas 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
Douglas County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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. | 0.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Zephyr Cove compares by contaminant
Explore where Zephyr Cove ranks among all Nevada cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Zephyr Cove's water comes from
Zephyr Cove's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,734 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Zephyr Cove
Zephyr Cove is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Zephyr Cove
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZEPHYR COVE WATER UTILITY DISTR | NV0000258 | 1,209 | SW |
| ROUND HILL GID | NV0000260 | 1,200 | SW |
| ELK POINT COUNTRY CLUB | NV0000271 | 325 | GW |
How Zephyr Cove compares
Full Nevada rankings →Zephyr Cove's score of 54.4/100 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 Zephyr Cove, NV
Wikipedia →Minden is a census-designated place (CDP) in Douglas County, Nevada, United States. The population was 3,001 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Douglas County and is adjacent to the town of Gardnerville. The Douglas campus of the Western Nevada College is located in Minden.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Zephyr Cove's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Douglas
Frequently asked questions
Is Zephyr Cove, NV tap water safe to drink?
Zephyr Cove's water quality earned a grade of D+ (54.4/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #50 out of 66 cities tested in Nevada.
What contaminants are in Zephyr Cove's water?
Lead was measured at 0.4 ppb (90th percentile). 162 violations are on record.
How is Zephyr Cove'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 Zephyr Cove?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Zephyr Cove's water come from?
Zephyr Cove's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,734 residents.
What health violations has Zephyr Cove's water system had?
Zephyr Cove has 26 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 15 violations remain unresolved.
How does Zephyr Cove's water compare to other cities?
Zephyr Cove ranks #50 out of 66 cities in Nevada (better than 24% of state cities) and #12610 out of 15744 cities nationally (20th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.