Carson City's Home for Water Treatment

Yes, Carson City’s tap water is considered safe by federal and state standards. The city sources its water from a combination of groundwater wells and surface water from the Carson River. According to the 2025 Consumer Confidence Report, there were no violations for regulated contaminants. However, several substances were detected at levels that exceed the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) health guidelines. For instance, arsenic was measured at 5.87 ppb—1,467 times higher than EWG’s health-based recommendation of 0.004 ppb. While all levels remain under federal Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs), residents with health concerns may want to consider home filtration systems to further reduce long-term exposure risks.

Yes, Carson City has moderately hard water, with hardness levels at a range between 75 and 500 mg/L—or approximately 4.4 to 29.3 grains per gallon. These levels indicate a high presence of naturally occurring calcium and magnesium in the water. Hard water can lead to mineral buildup in plumbing, reduced soap lathering, and long-term wear on household appliances. For these reasons, many residents in Carson City choose to install water softeners to protect their systems and improve day-to-day water quality.

While PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are not listed in the 2025 Carson City report, that doesn’t guarantee they are absent. The EWG’s national tap water database has identified PFAS contamination in other parts of Nevada, and the EPA is actively moving forward with new limits. Because these chemicals are known to be persistent and potentially harmful over time, many Carson City households are opting for reverse osmosis filtration systems certified to reduce PFAS levels—even in areas where testing hasn’t been routinely performed.

Yes, fluoride is present in Carson City’s water supply. In 2024, levels averaged 0.44 ppm—well below the federal maximum of 4.0 ppm. These fluoride levels are considered safe and may contribute to improved dental health, particularly in children. However, residents with concerns about fluoride exposure can consult their healthcare providers for personalized guidance or explore in-home fluoride-removal filters.

Carson City relies on a blended water supply that includes both surface water from the Carson River and local deep groundwater wells. The water is treated through a multi-step process that includes chlorination for disinfection, filtration to remove turbidity and sediment, and corrosion control to reduce the risk of lead and copper leaching from pipes. While treatment ensures the water meets regulatory standards, some naturally occurring elements such as arsenic, uranium, and radon are still present in small amounts. For added protection and peace of mind, many residents choose additional in-home treatment systems.

For most households in Carson City, the answer is yes. The area’s groundwater naturally contains high mineral content, which makes a water softener beneficial for reducing scale buildup, improving soap performance, and prolonging appliance lifespan. A filtration system—such as reverse osmosis or activated carbon—can also help reduce common contaminants found in Carson City's water, including arsenic, nitrate, uranium, chromium-6, and disinfection byproducts like TTHMs and HAA5s. Many homeowners install a combined water softening and filtration system for the most complete home water solution.

Culligan serves Carson City with professional bottled water delivery tailored to households and businesses alike. Whether you're looking to supply a small home or a large office, Culligan offers fresh-tasting bottled water, flexible delivery plans, and a variety of dispenser options. Just let us know how many 5-gallon jugs you need each month, and we’ll provide a custom quote based on your needs.

You can access the most recent Carson City Tap Water Quality Report here.