Nevada water quality overview
Nevada's drinking water quality is good overall, with an average score of 76.4 out of 100 across 63 cities tested. The median score is 82.9, serving a total population of 3,131,756 residents. 71% of cities earned an A or B grade, indicating broadly strong water quality infrastructure across the state. PFAS "forever chemicals" were detected in 27 of 63 cities tested (43%). 4 cities exceed the 2024 EPA maximum contaminant levels. The state relies on a mix of water sources: 45 cities use groundwater while 18 draw from surface water such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
Issues to watch in Nevada
Explore contaminants in Nevada
More contaminants tested in Nevada
Private-well water in Nevada
Based on USGS Powell Domestic-Well Database — 1,382 private wells sampled across Nevada. These wells are not regulated by the EPA; if you draw your tap from a private well, the public-system grade above does not apply to you.
Top industrial water polluters in Nevada
Industrial polluters nearby
The 10 facilities reporting the most pounds released to surface water in Nevada, 2023.
Total reported releases to surface water: 798 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) |
|---|---|---|
NEVADA GOLD MINES LLC - TURQUOISE RIDGE GOLCONDA, NV89414 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 798 |
LENNOX AES-RENO RENO, NV89506 | Copper | 0 |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
How Nevada cities scored
Best Cities
Worst Cities
Water quality across Nevada
Each dot is a city, colored by its water quality grade. Size reflects population served. Click any city to view its full water report.
63 cities in Nevada
| # | City | Grade | Score | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pine Grove | A+ | 98.2 | 953 | 0 |
| 2 | Incline Village | A+ | 96.9 | 9K | 10 |
| 3 | Jean | A | 94.5 | 560 | 6 |
| 4 | Searchlight | A | 94.3 | 760 | 8 |
| 5 | Blue Diamond | A | 93.7 | 527 | 20 |
| 6 | Sun Valley | A | 93.4 | 17K | 5 |
| 7 | Kingsbury | A | 93.1 | 4K | 22 |
| 8 | Skyland | A | 93.1 | 1K | 14 |
| 9 | Kyle Canyon | A | 93 | 1K | 0 |
| 10 | North Las Vegas | A | 92.8 | 377K | 1 |
| 11 | Lovelock | A | 92.8 | 4K | 60 |
| 12 | Panaca | A | 92.7 | 900 | 20 |
| 13 | Moundhouse | A | 92.1 | 16K | 3 |
| 14 | Fallon Naval Air Station | A | 92 | 3K | 37 |
| 15 | Dayton | A | 91.6 | 16K | 3 |
| 16 | Wells | A | 90.7 | 1K | 41 |
| 17 | Hungry Valley | A | 90.7 | 620 | 38 |
| 18 | Tonopah | A | 90.1 | 3K | 10 |
| 19 | Moapa | A | 90 | 9K | 59 |
| 20 | West Wendover | A- | 89.7 | 5K | 15 |
| 21 | Beatty | A- | 89.1 | 1K | 28 |
| 22 | Carlin | A- | 89 | 3K | 5 |
| 23 | Virginia City | A- | 88.4 | 1K | 34 |
| 24 | Mcgill | A- | 87.8 | 1K | 54 |
| 25 | Fallon Paiute Community | A- | 87.4 | 1K | 27 |
| 26 | Indian Springs | A- | 87.3 | 900 | 96 |
| 27 | Laughlin | A- | 87 | 9K | 7 |
| 28 | Spring Creek | A- | 85.2 | 13K | 119 |
| 29 | Eureka | B+ | 84 | 987 | 58 |
| 30 | Gardnerville Ranchos | B+ | 83.8 | 11K | 67 |
| 31 | Jackpot | B+ | 83.1 | 1K | 56 |
| 32 | Glenbrook | B+ | 82.9 | 1K | 64 |
| 33 | Wellington | B+ | 82.7 | 2K | 103 |
| 34 | Ely | B+ | 82.2 | 5K | 118 |
| 35 | Caliente | B+ | 81.9 | 1K | 28 |
| 36 | Pioche | B+ | 81.2 | 700 | 20 |
| 37 | Nellis Afb | B+ | 81 | 19K | 13 |
| 38 | Stagecoach | B+ | 80.1 | 2K | 24 |
| 39 | Silver Springs | B | 78.2 | 3K | 243 |
| 40 | Hawthorne | B | 77.9 | 4K | 68 |
| 41 | Winnemucca | B | 77.2 | 11K | 183 |
| 42 | Fernley | B | 76.7 | 23K | 166 |
| 43 | Alamo | B- | 74.6 | 900 | 109 |
| 44 | Boulder | B- | 73.8 | 708 | 22 |
| 45 | Sparks | B- | 73.2 | 1K | 34 |
| 46 | Round Mountain | C+ | 69 | 1K | 87 |
| 47 | Elko | C+ | 68.8 | 23K | 121 |
| 48 | Boulder City | C | 64.2 | 16K | 107 |
| 49 | Zephyr Cove | D+ | 54.4 | 2K | 162 |
| 50 | Walker River | D+ | 52 | 662 | 336 |
| 51 | Henderson | D+ | 51.8 | 337K | 170 |
| 52 | Katherine Landing | D+ | 51 | 1K | 623 |
| 53 | Katherine Landing | D+ | 51 | 1K | 623 |
| 54 | Cambell Ranch | D+ | 50 | 512 | 204 |
| 55 | Carson City | D | 49.1 | 65K | 259 |
| 56 | Yerington | D | 48.8 | 5K | 375 |
| 57 | Gardnerville | D | 47.6 | 5K | 377 |
| 58 | Fallon | D | 47.2 | 10K | 587 |
| 59 | Mesquite | D | 46.6 | 26K | 704 |
| 60 | Pahrump | F | 43.2 | 19K | 439 |
| 61 | Minden | F | 41.2 | 11K | 517 |
| 62 | Las Vegas | F | 39.8 | 1.6M | 2044 |
| 63 | Reno | F | 29.3 | 458K | 1269 |
Browse Nevada by ZIP code
Look up water quality by ZIP code to find the systems serving your area.
View all Nevada ZIP codes →Frequently asked questions about Nevada's water
Is Nevada's tap water safe to drink?
Nevada's water quality varies by city. The statewide average grade is B (76.4/100). 71% of cities scored an A or B, while 24% received a D or F. Check your specific city for detailed results.
Which Nevada cities have the best water quality?
The top-rated cities are Pine Grove (A+), Incline Village (A+), Jean (A). These cities scored highest based on violation history, lead levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Which Nevada cities have the worst water quality?
The lowest-rated cities are Reno (F), Las Vegas (F), Minden (F). We recommend residents in these areas consider water filtration and review their city's specific contaminant data.
How many Nevada cities have PFAS in their water?
27 out of 63 cities tested positive for PFAS "forever chemicals" (43%). 4 cities exceed the 2024 EPA maximum contaminant levels. Reverse osmosis or activated carbon filters can help reduce PFAS exposure.