How hard is North Las Vegas water?

The city's newest water quality report calls its water hard, from calcium and magnesium, but doesn't give a measurement. Numbers you may see online for North Las Vegas don't come from the city.

Where does North Las Vegas water come from?

The city says its water starts as Rocky Mountain snowmelt that flows down the Colorado River into Lake Mead, where the Southern Nevada Water Authority draws and treats it. The city also has groundwater wells.

Can I use the Las Vegas figure of 16?

As a rough starting point, perhaps, since much of the water comes from the same source. But it's the Las Vegas Valley Water District's figure, not the city's. A home test gives you your own.

Softening North Las Vegas water

The City of North Las Vegas describes its water as hard in its annual report but doesn't give a number. Here is what the city does say, and how to get a reliable setting for your home.

In the city’s own words

In its 2026 report, the City of North Las Vegas Utilities Department explains that its water absorbs naturally occurring minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium, on its way from the mountains, which is what makes it “hard”. It adds that hardness poses no health concerns and is an aesthetic issue: less soap lather, deposits on fixtures and spotted glassware.

Where the water comes from

The Southern Nevada Water Authority draws water from Lake Mead, treats it at its Alfred Merritt Smith and River Mountains plants, and delivers it to member agencies including North Las Vegas. The city’s own groundwater wells are a further source.

Finding your number

Test kit. Hardness test strips or drop kits give a reading in grains per gallon in minutes.
Ask the city. The North Las Vegas Utilities Department may be able to tell you more about your area.
Enter it. Put your result into the calculator on the softener sizes page.

A rough guide until you test

If your test reads	Three people	Four people	Five people
14 gpg	24,000 grains	32,000 grains	40,000 grains
16 gpg	32,000 grains	40,000 grains	48,000 grains
18 gpg	32,000 grains	40,000 grains	48,000 grains

Questions about North Las Vegas water

How hard is North Las Vegas water?: The city's newest water quality report calls its water hard, from calcium and magnesium, but doesn't give a measurement. Numbers you may see online for North Las Vegas don't come from the city.
Where does North Las Vegas water come from?: The city says its water starts as Rocky Mountain snowmelt that flows down the Colorado River into Lake Mead, where the Southern Nevada Water Authority draws and treats it. The city also has groundwater wells.
Can I use the Las Vegas figure of 16?: As a rough starting point, perhaps, since much of the water comes from the same source. But it's the Las Vegas Valley Water District's figure, not the city's. A home test gives you your own.