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Learn About Our Water Treatment Basics

Where Pahrump water comes from

Pahrump sits at the southern tip of Nye County, about 50 miles west of Las Vegas. Its name comes from a Southern Paiute term tied to the valley’s once-abundant artesian wells. Today the town runs on groundwater from the Pahrump Valley basin.

Many homes have their own domestic well. In late 2017, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported roughly 11,000 existing domestic wells in Pahrump Valley as the Nevada State Engineer restricted new ones because of declining groundwater levels. Other homes are served by a utility such as Great Basin Water Co., which provides water and sewer service in its Pahrump service territory.

Private wells: who is responsible for testing?

The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection states that private well water quality is not regulated by its Bureau of Safe Drinking Water. The CDC tells well owners that testing is their responsibility and recommends testing at least once a year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH.

Local data shows why that matters. A U.S. Geological Survey study presented to the Nye County Water District found that 3 of 47 sampled wells in the southern Pahrump Valley exceeded the 10 mg/L federal nitrate standard, with septic waste among the likely sources. On arsenic, Nye County Water District officials have said local levels are not a widespread problem, but every well is different, so test rather than assume.

Common water problems in Pahrump homes

  • Hardness and scale: groundwater picks up minerals from the rock it moves through, and hardness can vary from well to well.
  • Rotten-egg odor: a sign of hydrogen sulfide, which some well owners notice in hot water or after the water sits.
  • Orange or brown staining: often a sign of iron.
  • Drinking water concerns: questions about nitrate or other contaminants that only a lab test can answer.

Water treatment options for Pahrump

Pahrump water FAQ

How do I know what my well needs?

Start with a test. Our post on how to test for hard water covers the basics, and our free analysis checks the things that drive equipment choices. For health-related contaminants, NDEP lists certified labs.

Do you also serve Las Vegas?

Yes. We are based in the valley and serve Las Vegas, Spring Valley, and surrounding communities.

I am on Great Basin Water Co. service. Do I still need a test?

A utility is responsible for meeting drinking water standards, but hardness and taste are still worth checking. Our free in-home test shows what treatment, if any, makes sense.

Get your free Pahrump water analysis. Call or text 702-623-2724 24/7 or request a visit online.

Schedule Your Free Water Quality Assessment