Information for Consumers

Safe drinking water is vital to the public health, welfare and economy of Nevada. The moment a person opens a drinking water tap it represents perhaps the most intimate connection between public trust and the government's duty to protect public health. Unlike many other day-to-day government activities, drinking water regulation has a direct and immediate effect on the well being of every citizen.

The Federal Safe Drinking Water Act provides broad and consistent public health protection throughout the nation. It is the responsibility of owners, managers and operators of public water systems to meet the requirements of the Act. They are the first line defenders of public health. Their commitment to providing the public with safe drinking water is an important assurance that people are receiving reliable and safe drinking water. NDEP's Bureau of Safe Drinking Water implements the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act.

A public water system as defined in Nevada Revised Statute 445A.235 "means a system, regardless of ownership, that provides the public with water for human consumption through pipes or other constructed conveyances, if the system has 15 or more service connections, as defined in NRS 445A.843, or regularly serves 25 or more persons …".