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Nevada-Specific Information
In Nevada, PFAS have been found in drinking water in: (source)
Las Vegas
Reno
Fernley
Elko
Carson City (county)
Groundwater
Military sites, including airports, are also a source. Some firefighting foams at these sites contain PFAS and leach into the groundwater. (source)
PFAS is common in groundwater. Because Nevada is so dry, we rely a lot on groundwater wells, and PFAS can become concentrated in groundwater without much rain. Extremely high PFAS concentrations have been found in groundwater at Nevada military sites. (source)
2024 research study: 71 million to 95 million people in the US rely on drinking water from groundwater with detectable PFAS. (source)
Regulation
Nevada restricts the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foams. However, it does not have special PFAS in water, and instead follows national regulations. National regulations have not gone into effect, and some were rolled back in 2025.
(source)
Water Quality Reports
This is a reputable site which compiles official testing results in the US for public (“city”) water systems. When you click on a result, you can also access information for other contaminants.
Note: the EPA says that there is no safe level of exposure to certain PFAS. (source) Sometimes, a water source will test positive for PFAS, but be “below proposed limit.” It is your call whether to use this water.
Private Wells
If you get water from a private well, PFAS is not regulated. You might still want to get your well tested.
Basic well treatment systems often can’t remove PFAS. (source)
The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection has certified these labs. (source)
There are also mailed testing kits where you can mail water samples. These are easier and faster to use.
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Unfortunately, all PFAS testing is expensive (~$300), and the state will not pay for private well testing.
Reducing Exposure from Water
Routes of Exposure
If PFAS is in your water, the only way you can become exposed is by consuming the water. PFAS are bad at passing through skin, so it is usually safe to bathe, wash hands, and do other things with the water. However, it would be unsafe to drink or cook with it. (source)
Specifically, the EPA says you should pay the most attention to “drinking, preparing food, cooking, brushing teeth, preparing baby formula, and any other activity when your family might swallow water.” (source)
Filters
To remove PFAS from drinking water, you can use a countertop “pitcher” filter. You can also use a more expensive, but more convenient, “under-the-sink” filter that can purify the water straight from the sink. Make sure that the filter is “NSF”, “ANSI”, or “WQA” certified - otherwise, it might not work as well as advertised. (source)
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