Water Quality in Carson City, NV: 10 Violations - Grade B
Grade B · Score 84/100 · 7 water systems · Updated 2026-07-18
Carson City's water is mostly safe. Minor violations exist but are primarily monitoring-related.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-07-18
Compliance records maintained by the EPA for Carson City, NV log 10 violations - accumulated reportable events drawn from every local utility in the SDWIS national tracking system.
Water Quality Map: Carson City, NV
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Carson City
Water quality varies across Carson City's 10 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 89705 | C | 66 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 89701 | B | 77 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 89703 | B | 82 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 89706 | A | 87 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 89702 | A | 88 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 89711 | A | 88 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 89712 | A | 88 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 89713 | A | 88 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 89714 | A | 88 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 89721 | A | 88 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Carson City.
Water Quality Overview
Carson City, Nevada receives a water quality grade of B with an overall score of 84 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 7 water systems serving Carson City have accumulated 10 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 10 ZIP codes serving approximately 65,163 people.
What Grade B Means
A grade of B indicates good compliance with EPA drinking water standards. While not perfect, Carson City's water systems meet the vast majority of federal requirements. Minor violations may exist but typically relate to monitoring or reporting rather than health-based standards.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Carson City water systems is 0.0027 mg/L - within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 54% of homes built before 1986, Carson City has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Carson City is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Carson City
Carson City is served by 7 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 65,163 people across 10 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 100 enforcement actions against water systems serving Carson City. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Carson City
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR - your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test - certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration - NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories - monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Carson City Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Carson City's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 10 | 10 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Carson City:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 10 | 10 |
| 2025 | 20 | 20 |
Violations have increased from 10 in 2024 to 20 in 2025. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Carson City. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-11-19 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-11-12 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-11-06 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-11-06 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-10-13 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-09-25 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-09-25 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-09-20 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-28 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-06-05 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-11-19.
Carson City vs. Nearby Nevada Cities
How Carson City's water quality compares to similar cities in Nevada:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carson City | B | 10 | 7 | 65,163 |
| Pahrump | B | 4 | 7 | 46,091 |
| Elko | B | 24 | 6 | 26,070 |
| Fallon | B | 3 | 5 | 25,614 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Carson City
Water quality varies across Carson City's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 89705 | 66 | C | 1 | 0 |
| 89701 | 77 | B | 1 | 0 |
| 89703 | 82 | B | 1 | 0 |
| 89706 | 87 | A | 1 | 0 |
| 89702 | 88 | A | 1 | 0 |
| 89711 | 88 | A | 1 | 0 |
| 89712 | 88 | A | 1 | 0 |
| 89713 | 88 | A | 1 | 0 |
| 89714 | 88 | A | 1 | 0 |
| 89721 | 88 | A | 1 | 0 |
Water quality scores in Carson City range from 66 to 88 - a spread of 22 points. This variation means your specific ZIP code matters significantly.
Common Questions About Carson City Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Carson City, Nevada:
Is Carson City water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Carson City's 7 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Carson City tap water? Carson City's water receives a grade of B (84/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Carson City? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Carson City vs. Nevada Average
Understanding how Carson City compares to the broader Nevada average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below - water quality can vary significantly even within Carson City.
ZIP Codes in Carson City
Carson City spans 10 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 89701. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Water is Safe - Here's How to Keep It That Way
Grade B is excellent news. Here's what proactive homeowners do to maintain water quality:
Annual Water Testing
EPA recommends annual testing even with clean water. Home test kits: $20-$50. Catches changes before they become problems.
Maintenance Filtration
A basic carbon filter removes chlorine taste and catches emerging contaminants like PFAS that aren't yet fully regulated.
Plumbing Check
Even safe city water picks up lead from home pipes. If your home was built before 1986, a one-time pipe inspection is recommended.