Lithium Contamination

Lithium in Nevada Drinking Water

Ranked by max lithium detected (µg/L) · UCMR 5 data (2023–2025) · Data from EPA SDWIS & UCMR

Cities Tested

Detected

100%

% Detected

59.8 µg/L

State Avg

▼ 0% vs national

vs National

Health Violations

Analysis

Lithium in Nevada: what the data shows

Nevada has 28 cities with lithium data from the EPA's UCMR 5 program (2023–2025). Lithium was detected in 28 of those cities. There is currently no federal MCL or health advisory for lithium — the state average max detected level is 59.8 µg/L. Nationally, lithium is detected in roughly 28% of sampled water systems. Lithium occurs naturally in groundwater, particularly in arid western states, and is concentrated in some surface waters near industrial discharge or geothermal sources. UCMR 5 added lithium monitoring in 2023, providing the first systematic national snapshot of public-water lithium levels. At therapeutic doses (administered as a medication), lithium is used to treat bipolar disorder. Chronic low-dose exposure from drinking water has been associated in some studies with effects on thyroid function and possibly mood. The most protective state guidance value is around 60 µg/L. Reverse osmosis and ion exchange are effective removal methods.

Comparison

Cities exceeding No federal MCL or HA

Nevada

100%

28 of 28 cities

← = Exactly at national rate

National avg

100%

2808 of 2808 cities

City Map

Lithium data across Nevada

Each dot is a city with UCMR 5 lithium testing data. Detected cities are shown — there is no federal limit, though some states use 60 µg/L as a screening level. Size reflects population served.

Worst Offenders

Top 10 cities by lithium level in Nevada

Highest Lithium levels (µg/L)

All Cities

All Nevada cities ranked by lithium level

#	City	Level	Detected?	Violations	Grade
1	Mesquite	248.0 µg/L	Detected	8	D
2	Moapa	150.0 µg/L	Detected	7	A
3	Reno	100.0 µg/L	Detected	200	F
4	Reno	100.0 µg/L	Detected	3	B-
5	Carson City	74.4 µg/L	Detected	34	D
6	Winnemucca	70.7 µg/L	Detected	12	B
7	Moundhouse	64.1 µg/L	Detected	0	A
8	Moundhouse	64.1 µg/L	Detected	0	A
9	North Las Vegas	63.8 µg/L	Detected	0	A
10	Las Vegas	62.6 µg/L	Detected	230	F
11	Laughlin	59.4 µg/L	Detected	3	A-
12	Elko	59.0 µg/L	Detected	13	C+
13	Boulder City	58.6 µg/L	Detected	36	C
14	Nellis Afb	58.4 µg/L	Detected	10	B+
15	Henderson	57.8 µg/L	Detected	21	D+
16	Spring Creek	55.0 µg/L	Detected	18	A-
17	Battle Mountain	54.0 µg/L	Detected	33	F
18	Yerington	38.0 µg/L	Detected	10	D
19	Fernley	36.2 µg/L	Detected	26	B
20	Gardnerville Ranchos	33.0 µg/L	Detected	2	B+
21	Gardnerville	32.8 µg/L	Detected	13	D
22	Pine Grove	32.0 µg/L	Detected	0	A+
23	Minden	27.7 µg/L	Detected	43	F
24	Fallon	23.0 µg/L	Detected	67	D
25	West Wendover	15.0 µg/L	Detected	2	A-
26	Pahrump	14.6 µg/L	Detected	15	F
27	Ely	11.8 µg/L	Detected	4	B+
28	Lovelock	11.0 µg/L	Detected	1	A

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about lithium in Nevada

Is lithium in Nevada tap water harmful?

Lithium has no federal MCL or health advisory. Some state agencies use 60 µg/L as a screening level. 28 cities in Nevada had detectable lithium in UCMR 5 testing. Therapeutic lithium doses (used to treat bipolar disorder) are far higher than typical drinking-water levels, but chronic low-level exposure has been studied for potential thyroid and mood effects.

Where does lithium in tap water come from?

Lithium occurs naturally in groundwater, especially in arid western states with lithium-bearing geology (parts of Nevada, California, North Carolina, Texas). It can also enter water from industrial sources such as battery manufacturing, ceramics, and lithium-mining wastewater. Geothermal hot springs are another natural source.

How can I remove lithium from my drinking water?

Reverse osmosis is highly effective at removing lithium, typically reducing it by 90% or more. Ion exchange systems and distillation also work well. Standard activated carbon filters are NOT effective against lithium. If you rely on a private well in a lithium-rich geological area, consider testing.

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