Is Newark, New Jersey Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Last updated: April 2026.
Is Newark, New Jersey Shower Water Safe?
Population: 305,344 · Water Source: Pequannock Watershed, Wanaque Reservoir
Understanding the quality of your shower water in Newark, New Jersey, is crucial for your family's health and well-being. While Newark's drinking water meets regulatory standards, various contaminants can still impact your skin, hair, and respiratory health during showering. Knowing what's in your water empowers you to make informed decisions about your shower experience.
💧 Where Does Newark's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Pequannock Watershed, Wanaque Reservoir
Newark's primary water supply originates from protected surface water sources in the Pequannock Watershed and the Wanaque Reservoir, located in northern New Jersey. These pristine sources undergo extensive treatment, including filtration and disinfection, to ensure potability before distribution. The system serves a large urban population, making robust treatment and infrastructure maintenance vital.
Treatment: Coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, chloramination, pH adjustment, corrosion control, fluoridation.
🔬 What's In Newark's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Newark's water supply based on real testing data from the EWG Tap Water Database:
| Contaminant | Level Found | EPA Limit | EWG Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS) | 0.0000 ppt | 1e-05 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (6558x above) |
| Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) | 0.0000 ppt | 4e-06 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | 🚨 ABOVE EPA LIMIT (521x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) | 77.97 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (1300x above) |
| Radon | 1821.7 pCi/L | No federal limit | 1.50 pCi/L | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (1214x above) |
| Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) | 0.0000 ppt | 4e-06 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | 🚨 ABOVE EPA LIMIT (25x above) |
| Arsenic | 1.69 ppb | 10.0 ppb | 0.0040 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (422x above) |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 62.83 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (419x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 41.77 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (418x above) |
| Bromodichloromethane | 14.34 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (239x above) |
| Trichloroacetic acid | 22.26 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (223x above) |
Contaminant Details
Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS)
The health guideline of 0.001 ppt for perfluorohexane sulfonate was defined by EWG based on studies by Phillipe Grandjean of Harvard University and many other independent researchers who found reduced effectiveness of vaccines and adverse impacts on mammary gland development from exposure to PFOA and PFOS, the two PFAS most widely detected in drinking water. This health guideline harm to the developing immune system.
Comparison: State average: 0.0000 ppt. National average: 0.0000 ppt.
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.
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
The health guideline of 0.09 ppt for PFOA was defined by 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 Harm to the immune system; harm to fetal growth and child development; increased cholesterol.
Comparison: State average: 0.0000 ppt. National average: 0.0000 ppt.
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.
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: 20.77 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.
Radon
The health guideline of for radon was defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as a one-in-a-million lifetime risk of cancer. Values greater than one-in-a-million cancer risk level can result in increased cancer cases above one in a million people.
Comparison: State average: 1728.7 pCi/L. National average: 47.68 pCi/L.
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.
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)
The health guideline of 0.3 ppt for PFOS was defined by EWG based on studies by Phillipe Grandjean of Harvard University and many other independent researchers who found reduced effectiveness of vaccines and adverse impacts on mammary gland development from exposure to PFOA and PFOS, the two PFAS most widely detected in drinking water. This health guideline cardiovascular harm and harm to fetal growth.
Comparison: State average: 0.0000 ppt. National average: 0.0000 ppt.
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.
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: 0.216 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.
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: 30.79 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: 15.33 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.
Bromodichloromethane
The health guideline of 0.06 ppb for bromodichloromethane was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a one-in-a-million lifetime risk of cancer. Values greater than one-in-a-million cancer risk level can result in increased cancer cases above one in a million people.
Comparison: State average: 6.53 ppb. National average: 5.89 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.
Trichloroacetic acid
The health guideline of 0.1 ppb for trichloroacetic acid was defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as a one-in-a-million lifetime risk of cancer. Values greater than one-in-a-million cancer risk level can result in increased cancer cases above one in a million people.
Comparison: State average: 6.92 ppb. National average: 6.57 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.
🧴 How Newark'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 Newark's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Dry, itchy, and irritated skin due to chloramine and hard water minerals.
- Exacerbation of eczema and other sensitive skin conditions.
- Reduced effectiveness of moisturizers and skincare products.
- Potential for skin absorption of volatile organic compounds and heavy metals.
💇 Hair Effects
- Dry, brittle, and dull hair texture from chloramine and hard water buildup.
- Faster fading of color-treated hair.
- Residue buildup that prevents shampoos from lathering effectively.
- Increased hair breakage and lack of shine.
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Inhalation of volatile disinfection byproducts (HAA5s, TTHMs) from shower steam.
- Irritation of nasal passages and lungs, especially for individuals with asthma or allergies.
- Potential long-term respiratory health risks from chronic inhalation of certain contaminants.
- Chloramine smell can be irritating and contribute to poor indoor air quality during showering.
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Water
Consider getting a comprehensive water test for your home to understand the specific contaminant levels in your Newark shower water. This provides personalized data beyond city-wide reports.
Install a Quality Shower Filter
A high-quality shower filter can significantly reduce chloramine, disinfection byproducts, and some heavy metals, improving water quality for your skin, hair, and lungs. Look for filters certified to remove specific contaminants.
Limit Shower Duration and Temperature
Shorter, cooler showers can reduce exposure to volatile contaminants that vaporize in steam and minimize skin dryness from hot water and harsh chemicals.
Use Gentle Skincare and Hair Products
Opt for moisturizing, sulfate-free, and fragrance-free products to help counteract the drying effects of hard water and chloramine, supporting your skin and hair's natural barrier.
Improve Bathroom Ventilation
Using an exhaust fan or opening a window during and after showering helps dissipate steam and volatile chemicals, reducing inhalation exposure.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Newark's Water
The easiest way to remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants from your shower water.
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Related Reading
- psoriasis triggered by shower water
- trihalomethanes in treated water
- HAAs in treated water
- shower water quality in Trenton, New Jersey
Is Newark tap water safe to shower in?
While Newark's tap water meets federal safety standards for drinking, showering exposes you to contaminants differently. Volatile chemicals like chloramine and disinfection byproducts can be inhaled in steam or absorbed through the skin, potentially causing dryness, irritation, and long-term health concerns, especially for sensitive individuals.
Why does my shower water in Newark smell like chlorine?
The chlorine smell in your Newark shower water is primarily due to chloramine, which is used as a disinfectant. When heated, chloramine and its byproducts can become more volatile, leading to a noticeable odor and potential respiratory irritation for some people.
Does hard water in Newark affect my skin and hair?
Yes, Newark's water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium, contributing to its moderate hardness. These minerals can leave a residue on your skin and hair, leading to dryness, itchiness, dullness, and reduced lathering of soaps and shampoos, potentially exacerbating conditions like eczema.
Can a shower filter really make a difference for Newark water?
Absolutely. A well-chosen shower filter can effectively reduce chloramine, chlorine byproducts (like TTHMs and HAA5s), and sometimes heavy metals and sediment. This can lead to softer skin, shinier hair, less irritation, and a reduction in chemical odors and inhalation exposure during your shower.
Are there specific concerns for children or people with eczema showering in Newark?
Children and individuals with eczema or other skin sensitivities are often more vulnerable to the effects of chloramine and hard water. These contaminants can strip natural oils, leading to increased dryness, itching, and flare-ups. Reducing exposure through filtration and gentle care is particularly beneficial for these groups.
