Lead Service Lines in Nevada
Nevada's 674 public water systems serve 3.5 million residents. As of now, no known lead service lines have been documented in the state's inventory data, though comprehensive testing is still underway across many utilities.
What we know about Nevada's lead inventory
Water systems are required by the EPA to identify and replace lead service lines—the pipes connecting public water mains to homes. Nevada has reported zero known lead lines and zero galvanized lines (which can corrode and leach lead) in its current inventory. However, this doesn't mean lead lines don't exist; it means either utilities haven't found them yet, or they've already been replaced.
The state has not received federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funding for lead line replacement as of the latest reporting period.
Why the inventory matters
Lead exposure, even at low levels, can affect children's brain development and learning. Older homes built before the 1980s are more likely to have lead service lines. If you live in an older house in Nevada, asking your water utility whether your home has been tested is a reasonable first step.
How to check your home
Contact your local water utility directly—they should have records of your service line material. If you're in a small or tribal water system, response times may be slower, but persist in asking. The six utilities listed above serve tribal populations in Nevada; you can request lead line information from them using their system IDs.
If your utility can't confirm your line's material, consider getting it tested by a certified lab. This is especially important if you have young children or pregnant household members.
Lead in drinking water
Lead enters water through corroded pipes, not from the treatment plant. Running cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking can help flush lead from pipes in your home. Boiling does not remove lead.
For health concerns about lead exposure, contact your pediatrician or the CDC's lead hotline (1-800-CDC-INFO).
Next steps for residents
- Contact your water utility and ask if your service line has been inventoried and what material it's made of.
- Request a lead test of your tap water if your utility can't confirm your line's material or if your home was built before 1980.
- Check back periodically — Nevada utilities are required to update their inventories as testing continues.