Las Vegas is famous for bright lights and desert living—but something far less glamorous affects nearly every home in the valley: extremely hard water. With water sourced primarily from Lake Mead and the Colorado River, Las Vegas consistently ranks among the cities with the hardest water in the nation.

If you’re noticing strange buildup, dry skin, or underperforming appliances, you’re probably seeing the effects of mineral-heavy water. Here are the most common signs of hard water in Las Vegas and why they matter.

1. Heavy Scale Buildup on Fixtures

One of the most recognizable signs of hard water in Las Vegas is thick, white limescale. It often appears on:

• Showerheads

• Faucets

• Sprayers

• Glass shower doors

• Sink hardware

Because Las Vegas water is extremely high in calcium and magnesium, scale buildup can develop quickly—even right after cleaning.

2. Soap Scum That Won’t Go Away

Hard water makes it difficult for soap to dissolve, leaving behind:

• Cloudy film on showers

• Soap scum in tubs and sinks

• Residue on bathroom tile

If you feel like you’re endlessly scrubbing the same spots, the minerals in your water are to blame.

3. Dry, Itchy Skin & Brittle Hair

Las Vegas homeowners commonly report:

• Dryness

• Flakiness

• Tight skin after showering

• Hair that feels coarse or dull

• Difficulty rinsing out shampoo or conditioner

Hard water strips natural oils from skin and hair, which is especially noticeable in a dry desert climate.

4. Cloudy, Spotted, or Chalky Dishes

Even brand-new dishwashers struggle with Las Vegas water. If your dishes come out with:

• White spots

• Cloudy film

• Chalky residue

—you’re seeing mineral deposits left behind after each cycle.

5. Low Water Pressure

Mineral buildup doesn’t just stick to what you can see—it also coats the inside of pipes. Over time, scale restricts water flow, causing:

• Slower faucets

• Weak showers

• Reduced overall pressure

Older Las Vegas homes feel this effect the most.

6. Appliances Wearing Out Quickly

Hard water puts a significant strain on major appliances, especially:

• Water heaters

• Dishwashers

• Washing machines

• Coffee and espresso machines

• Ice makers

Mineral buildup on heating elements and internal valves can cause appliances to fail years earlier than expected.

A scaled-up water heater can be up to 30% less efficient, increasing utility costs—something no Las Vegas homeowner wants.

7. Laundry That Feels Scratchy or Looks Faded

Hard water affects laundry by:

• Making clothes feel rough

• Causing colors to fade faster

• Leaving detergent residue

• Making towels stiff

If your clothes don’t feel fully clean, hard water is the reason.

8. Frequent Plumbing Issues

Because Las Vegas water is so hard, plumbing systems experience long-term wear, including:

• Clogged pipes

• Mineral-coated valves

• Leaks from worn components

• Higher long-term maintenance costs

These issues are especially common in homes with older copper or galvanized pipes.

Why Hard Water Is So Extreme in Las Vegas

Las Vegas water travels long distances and picks up minerals from natural rock formations. Even after municipal treatment, the high levels of calcium and magnesium remain—making hard water a constant issue in nearly every home across the valley.

The best solution? A whole-home water softener that prevents scale at the source.

Hard Water Doesn’t Have to Be a Lifelong Battle

If you’re noticing any of these signs, you’re likely dealing with hard water in your Las Vegas home. A quality whole-home softening system can:

• Reduce scale

• Improve skin and hair comfort

• Protect your plumbing

• Extend appliance lifespan

• Improve water pressure

• Make cleaning much easier

Soft water makes an immediate difference—and helps protect your home for years to come.