Living with Hard Water in Las Vegas: What It Does and What Helps

If you've just moved to Las Vegas, you've probably noticed it already: white spots on the shower glass, a chalky ring around the faucet, cloudy drinking glasses fresh out of the dishwasher. That's hard water, and it comes with nearly every home in the valley. The good news is that it's a nuisance, not a health problem, and there are simple ways to live with it.

Why Las Vegas water is so hard

According to the Las Vegas Valley Water District's latest water quality report, about 90 percent of the valley's water comes from Lake Mead, which is fed by the Colorado River. The river carries naturally occurring minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium, and those minerals are what make water "hard." The rest of the supply comes from wells that tap a deep groundwater aquifer.

The water district and the Southern Nevada Water Authority both list the hardness at 280 parts per million, or 16 grains per gallon, which they classify as "very hard." For comparison, the U.S. Geological Survey considers anything over 180 milligrams per liter (the same as parts per million) to be very hard.

What hard water does around the house

The water district's FAQ lists the most common signs:

• Chalky buildup on faucets, showerheads and fixtures.
• Spots on glassware and dishes.
• Less lather from soap and shampoo, so it can feel harder to rinse clean.
• White flakes in the water, which are usually bits of mineral scale that broke loose from pipes or fixtures.

The district also points out a useful detail: mineral residue only forms when water is left to evaporate on a surface. Wiping the shower glass, sink and counters dry is one of the easiest ways to prevent spots in the first place.

Everyday fixes that help

Before you spend money on equipment, the water district suggests a few low-cost options:

• Dishwasher rinse aid to cut down on spotting.
• Laundry detergents that contain water-softening agents.
• Bath salts, such as Epsom salts.
• Lime- or mineral-dissolving cleaners for fixtures and glass.

Keep in mind that a basic carbon pitcher filter won't fix hardness. The district notes those filters improve chlorine taste and odor but don't remove minerals.

Home treatment options, explained

Many Las Vegas homeowners add a treatment system. The Southern Nevada Water Authority doesn't recommend any particular brand, but its home treatment systems page lays out how the main types work:

Water softeners (ion exchange)

A softener swaps the calcium and magnesium in your water for sodium or potassium. SNWA lists the upsides as a softer feel on the skin, cleaner and softer clothes, longer appliance life and fewer water spots. It also lists downsides to weigh: added sodium, which can harm houseplants, and potential health concerns from sodium intake. People with specific medical conditions should talk with their doctor before choosing a system.

"Salt-free" conditioners

SNWA explains that the "salt-free softener" label is a misnomer. These systems condition the water but don't actually remove the hard minerals, and their effectiveness is still debated. If you're considering one, SNWA points to the Water Quality Association for more information.

Reverse osmosis

According to SNWA, reverse osmosis is the only type of filter that removes the calcium and magnesium. Units usually sit under the kitchen sink and treat drinking water. They cost more, may need a plumber, take up storage space, and many models waste water.

Whatever you choose, set it up for local conditions. The water district says to use the 16 grains per gallon figure when setting a softener. And keep up with maintenance, because SNWA warns that a neglected system can make your water quality worse. SNWA also offers a free copy of Consumer Reports® ratings of home water filtration systems on request.

If your water comes from the City of Henderson or North Las Vegas, check that provider's annual water quality report for its own hardness number.

Don't forget the water heater

Minerals settle as sediment in the bottom of a tank water heater, which makes it work harder. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends routine maintenance, including flushing a quart of water from the tank every three months, checking the temperature and pressure relief valve every six months, and inspecting the anode rod every three to four years. The EPA's WaterSense home maintenance guide suggests flushing the water heater once a year to reduce sediment buildup. Always follow your manufacturer's instructions, or hire a licensed plumber if you'd rather not do it yourself.

Keep it on your list

Hard water is one of those desert-home basics that's easy to manage once you know about it. It's on the checklist in Your First 30 Days in the Home, and you'll find more local homeowner essentials in Carla's Little Black Book. Buying or selling and wondering what to ask about a home's water heater or softener? Carla can help you figure out the right questions.

Sources: Las Vegas Valley Water District, Water Quality Report; Las Vegas Valley Water District, Water quality FAQs; Southern Nevada Water Authority, Home treatment systems; U.S. Geological Survey, Hardness of Water; U.S. Department of Energy, Storage Water Heaters; U.S. EPA WaterSense, Home Maintenance. Water quality figures and recommendations can change. Confirm the latest details with your water provider or the source before you act.