Is Glendale, Arizona Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Last updated: April 2026.
Is Glendale, Arizona Shower Water Safe?
Population: 253,223 · Water Source: Salt River Project (SRP), Groundwater
Understanding what's in your shower water is crucial for your health and well-being, especially in Glendale, Arizona. While the city's tap water meets federal drinking standards, contaminants present can still impact your skin, hair, and respiratory health during showering. Knowing these factors empowers you to make informed decisions about your daily routine.
💧 Where Does Glendale's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Salt River Project (SRP), Groundwater
Glendale's water supply primarily comes from surface water sources managed by the Salt River Project (SRP), which includes the Salt and Verde Rivers. Supplemental water is drawn from local groundwater wells. This blend ensures a robust and reliable water supply for the city's residents.
Treatment: Coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and chloramination
🔬 What's In Glendale's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Glendale's water supply based on real testing data from the EWG Tap Water Database:
| Contaminant | Level Found | EPA Limit | EWG Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic | 4.10 ppb | 10.0 ppb | 0.0040 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (1026x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) | 24.72 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (412x above) |
| Chromium (hexavalent) | 6.44 ppb | No federal limit | 0.020 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (322x above) |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 40.48 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (270x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 11.57 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (116x above) |
| Nitrate | 2.45 ppm | 10.0 ppm | 0.140 ppm | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (17x above) |
| Nitrate and nitrite | 2.21 ppm | 10.0 ppm | 0.140 ppm | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (16x above) |
| Chlorite | 355.1 ppb | 1000.0 ppb | 50.00 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (7x above) |
| Uranium | 1.33 pCi/L | 20.0 pCi/L | 0.430 pCi/L | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (3x above) |
| Radium, combined (-226 and -228) | 0.082 pCi/L | 5.0 pCi/L | 0.050 pCi/L | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (1.6x above) |
Contaminant Details
Arsenic
The health guideline of 0.004 ppb for arsenic was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against cancer.
Comparison: State average: 3.97 ppb. National average: 0.624 ppb.
Shower Impact: Arsenic in shower water can be absorbed through the skin. Long hot showers increase exposure time and absorption.
Haloacetic acids (HAA9)
The health guideline of 0.06 ppb for haloacetic acids (HAA9) was defined by EWG . This health guideline protects against cancer.
Comparison: State average: 16.14 ppb. National average: 23.70 ppb.
Shower Impact: These disinfection byproducts become airborne in hot shower steam. You can inhale and absorb them through your skin, potentially increasing your exposure beyond just drinking water.
Chromium (hexavalent)
The health guideline of 0.02 ppb for chromium (hexavalent) was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against cancer.
Comparison: State average: 3.36 ppb. National average: 0.440 ppb.
Shower Impact: Hexavalent chromium can be absorbed through the skin during bathing, adding to overall exposure beyond drinking water.
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
The health guideline of 0.15 ppb for trihalomethanes was defined by in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG and represents a one-in-one-million lifetime cancer risk level. as a draft public health goal, the level of drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against cancer.
Comparison: State average: 28.72 ppb. National average: 29.06 ppb.
Shower Impact: These disinfection byproducts become airborne in hot shower steam. You can inhale and absorb them through your skin, potentially increasing your exposure beyond just drinking water.
Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
The health guideline of 0.1 ppb for haloacetic acids (HAA5) was defined by as . This health guideline protects against cancer.
Comparison: State average: 7.52 ppb. National average: 19.82 ppb.
Shower Impact: These disinfection byproducts become airborne in hot shower steam. You can inhale and absorb them through your skin, potentially increasing your exposure beyond just drinking water.
Nitrate
The health guideline of 0.14 ppm for nitrate was defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG and corresponds to one-in-one-million annual cancer risk level.
Comparison: State average: 2.29 ppm. National average: 0.824 ppm.
Shower Impact: While primarily a drinking water concern, nitrates can contribute to skin irritation during extended shower exposure.
Nitrate and nitrite
The health guideline of 0.14 ppm for nitrate and nitrite was defined by based on the equivalent health guideline for nitrate, as defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG. . This health guideline protects against one-in-one-million annual cancer risk level.
Comparison: State average: 2.57 ppm. National average: 0.780 ppm.
Shower Impact: While primarily a drinking water concern, nitrates can contribute to skin irritation during extended shower exposure.
Chlorite
The health guideline of 50 ppb for chlorite was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against change in blood chemistry.
Comparison: State average: 178.0 ppb. National average: 202.6 ppb.
Shower Impact: Contaminants in shower water can be absorbed through the skin and inhaled as steam, increasing your daily exposure beyond what you get from drinking water alone.
Uranium
The health guideline of for uranium was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. Three most common uranium isotopes are U-234, U-235 and U-238. All isotopes of uranium are radioactive, and the total radioactivity depends on the ratio of isotopes. This health guideline protects against cancer.
Comparison: State average: 1.95 pCi/L. National average: 1.03 pCi/L.
Shower Impact: Radioactive contaminants can become aerosolized in shower steam and inhaled, adding to overall exposure.
Radium, combined (-226 and -228)
The health guideline of for radium, combined (-226 and -228) was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as . This health guideline protects against cancer.
Comparison: State average: 0.084 pCi/L. National average: 0.332 pCi/L.
Shower Impact: Radioactive contaminants can become aerosolized in shower steam and inhaled, adding to overall exposure.
🧴 How Glendale's Water Affects Your Skin, Hair & Health
When you shower, contaminants in the water don't just wash off — they're absorbed through your skin and inhaled as steam. Here's how Glendale's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Dry, itchy, or irritated skin due to chloramines and hard water minerals.
- Exacerbation of eczema and other sensitive skin conditions.
- Soap scum residue on skin, leading to clogged pores and dullness.
- Potential for allergic reactions from certain contaminants like chromium.
💇 Hair Effects
- Dry, brittle, and damaged hair from hard water minerals and chloramines.
- Dullness, lack of shine, and difficulty lathering shampoos.
- Faster fading of hair color due to mineral and disinfectant interactions.
- Residue buildup on scalp and hair, leading to greasy feel or flakiness.
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Inhalation of chloramine and TTHMs vaporized in shower steam.
- Irritation of nasal passages, throat, and lungs.
- Potential trigger for asthma or other respiratory sensitivities.
- Long-term exposure to disinfection byproducts through inhalation.
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Water
Get a home water testing kit or professional analysis to understand the specific contaminants and hardness levels in your Glendale home's water. This provides personalized data beyond general city reports.
Install a Quality Shower Filter
A good shower filter can significantly reduce chlorine/chloramine, heavy metals, and some disinfection byproducts, improving skin and hair health. Look for filters certified to remove these specific contaminants.
Limit Shower Duration and Temperature
Shorter, cooler showers reduce exposure to volatile contaminants in steam and minimize the drying effects of hot water on skin and hair. This simple change can make a big difference.
Moisturize Immediately After Showering
Apply a high-quality moisturizer to damp skin immediately after showering to lock in hydration and create a barrier against environmental irritants. This helps counteract the drying effects of hard water and disinfectants.
Use pH-Balanced and Sulfate-Free Products
Opt for shampoos, conditioners, and body washes that are pH-balanced and free of harsh sulfates, which can exacerbate dryness and irritation caused by hard water and chloramines.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Glendale's Water
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Related Reading
- psoriasis triggered by shower water
- chromium-6 in tap water
- THMs in your shower water
- shower water quality in Gilbert, Arizona
- shower water quality in Mesa, Arizona
Is Glendale tap water safe to shower in?
Glendale's tap water meets federal drinking water standards, making it generally safe for showering. However, contaminants like chloramine and high mineral content (hardness) can still lead to dry skin, hair damage, and respiratory irritation for sensitive individuals. Understanding these potential impacts allows you to take proactive steps for your well-being.
Why does my skin feel dry and itchy after showering in Glendale?
The primary culprits are likely the chloramines used for disinfection and the high mineral content (hard water) common in Glendale. Chloramines strip natural oils from your skin, while hard water minerals leave a residue that can clog pores and exacerbate dryness and itchiness, especially for those with conditions like eczema.
How does Glendale's hard water affect my hair?
Glendale's very hard water can make your hair feel dry, brittle, and dull. The high mineral content prevents shampoos from lathering effectively, leaves a film on your hair strands, and can cause color-treated hair to fade faster. This residue also makes hair more prone to tangling and breakage over time.
Can a shower filter really help with Glendale's water?
Yes, a good quality shower filter can significantly improve your shower experience in Glendale. Filters are designed to reduce chloramines, which are a major irritant, as well as some heavy metals and disinfection byproducts. While most don't soften water, reducing other contaminants can lead to noticeably softer skin and hair.
What are Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and why are they in my shower water?
Trihalomethanes are a group of disinfection byproducts that form when chlorine or chloramine reacts with naturally occurring organic matter in the water. In the shower, the hot water causes TTHMs to volatilize into steam, which you can then inhale, and they can also be absorbed through your skin. While levels in Glendale are below EPA limits, long-term exposure is a health concern.
