Short answer: Las Vegas water is very hard: about 280 ppm (16 grains per gallon) from the Las Vegas Valley Water District and about 304 ppm (18 grains per gallon) in Henderson, according to each utility’s 2026 water quality report. The USGS calls anything above 180 ppm “very hard.” That mineral load is what leaves white spots on shower glass, crust on faucets and rings in toilets. A mild acid (white vinegar or citric acid) dissolves it on glass, porcelain and chrome; natural stone needs a stone-safe cleaner instead.
Why the stains come back so fast here
Every time water dries on a surface, the calcium and magnesium stay behind. In a dry desert climate water evaporates quickly, so a thin layer of scale builds up after every shower. Left for a few weeks it bonds to the glass or grout and takes much more work to remove.
How to remove hard water stains (by surface)
- Shower glass: spray white vinegar (or a citric acid solution), let it sit 10–15 minutes, scrub with a non-scratch pad, rinse and dry with a microfiber cloth.
- Faucets and shower heads: wrap with a cloth soaked in vinegar for 30 minutes, then brush the aerator and nozzles.
- Toilet rings: lower the water level, apply the acid cleaner to the ring, wait, then scrub with a pumice stone made for porcelain (keep it wet).
- Granite, marble and travertine: never use vinegar or acid; it etches the stone. Use a pH-neutral stone cleaner.
- Never mix vinegar or acid cleaners with bleach.
How to keep it from coming back
- Squeegee shower glass after each use (one minute, big difference).
- Wipe faucets dry at night.
- If you have a water softener, set it to your utility’s number: Henderson tells owners to use 16 to 19 grains per gallon.
- Book a recurring cleaning so scale never gets a chance to set; our every-two-weeks plan is 10% off standard prices.
Sources: Las Vegas Valley Water District and City of Henderson 2026 water quality reports; USGS hardness scale.
Heavy scale in a shower or a whole house? Tell us in your estimate and we’ll plan for it. See 2026 prices or get a free estimate for Las Vegas, Henderson or Summerlin.