With new and more sensitive detection methods for chemicals and the development of scientific methods that better determine their biological effects, unregulated contaminants previously undetected by waterworks professionals have become of significant interest to the public and press. Two high priority issues in Las Vegas, Nevada, are chemicals with the potential to act as endocrine disruptors and perchlorate. Endocrine disruptors have emerged because Las Vegas is the first large urbanized area in the United States to have studies conducted for these chemicals on its watershed. The perchlorate contamination is the remnant of two local companies who, until recently, were the only manufacturers of this chemical in the United States. The potential health effects, detection methods, and regulatory considerations of these chemicals are discussed.