Hard Water Mineral Buildup
The Las Vegas Valley receives municipal water from Lake Mead at 17 to 24 grains per gallon (approximately 280 parts per million), placing it among the hardest municipal water supplies in the United States. Mineral deposits from this hard water accumulate inside faucet cartridges, aerators, and valve seats over time, restricting flow, accelerating wear on rubber O-rings and seals, and causing handles to stiffen. Faucets in Green Valley homes typically require more frequent cartridge replacement and aerator cleaning than faucets in soft-water markets. This effect is most pronounced in original Green Valley homes where fixtures have been in service for decades.

