Believe it or not, Nevada is more than just the “Sin City” of Las Vegas. Many people picture the state of Nevada as one big desert when in reality, it is a state with a variety of landscapes.
Regardless of location, each city in Nevada sources its water from surface water that begins its journey in the high mountainous region and then down via various rivers into lakes and reservoirs.
As the water makes its way to treatment facilities around the state it picks up naturally occurring minerals and metals. The water absorbs the minerals and metals over time and creates a condition called hard water.
Unfortunately, contaminants and pollutants make their way into the water as it travels, as well. Treatment facilities are forced to reverse any danger by using chemicals that can impact the taste and smell of your water.
Common Water Problems by City
Different sources and treatments create disparity in water quality from city to city. While some towns may have water that comes from the same headwaters, the precise trip the water takes to get to taps and faucets can make a big difference in the final product.
City | Water Source | Common Problems | Typical Symptoms |
|---|---|---|---|
Las Vegas | Lake Mead via the Colorado River | Hard Water | Dry Skin Itchy Scalp Limescale |
Henderson | Colorado River | Hard Water Chlorination | Dry Skin Limescale Poor Smell or Taste |
Reno | Truckee River | Hard Water | Dry Skin Limescale |
Las Vegas
The water supplying Las Vegas may be some of the most famous in the world. Many iconic photos show the Hoover Dam, which holds back Lake Mead. Much of the water entering homes and businesses in Las Vegas comes from this source.
Lake Mead is filled by the Colorado River and has experienced some low levels in recent years. To supplement any drier months, water supply is drawn from an aquifer deep below the surface.
While hard water is a common problem across the United States, it is especially hard in Las Vegas. This is caused by a substantial absorption of natural mineral content. Hard water is safe for use and consumption but can cause some issues for those experiencing this phenomenon.
The most common complaint from homeowners with hard water is the dry skin and itchy scalp experienced after bathing in hard water. Additionally, limescale is a byproduct of hard water and can cause issues with plumbing if the problem is left untreated.
Soap scum forms when hard water and soap combine and can build up in tubs, showers, or sinks, creating a difficult domestic chore to clean up. Hard water is most often treated at the home or business level with a system put in place to soften the water.
Henderson
Henderson lays quite near Las Vegas and shares some of its water treatment facilities with the nearby city. The majority of the water supplying Henderson, Nevada is pulled from the Colorado River.
Like Las Vegas, the water is high in mineral content and thus is considered very hard water. This leaves homes and businesses in Henderson dealing with issues like limescale buildup and dry skin.
Additionally, Henderson water treatment facilities use chlorination to disinfect the water. While this makes it safe to consume and use, it can produce a smell and taste of chlorine when higher levels are required. This can be off-putting for those drinking the water.
Reno
Reno can require over 80 million gallons of water per day. Most of this water is supplied by the Truckee River. Before arriving at one of two treatment facilities, the water travels many miles over and through the surface.
During its journey, Reno’s water supply absorbs natural earth minerals and metals which creates hard water. Hard water is perfectly safe but can cause dry skin for those who use it to bathe.
The water treatment process often involves disinfectants like chlorine and can impact the overall quality of taste and smell. Chlorine can be particularly noticeable if aggressive treatment is required due to contaminants being present in the water supply.