Is Riverside, California Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Last updated: April 2026.
Is Riverside, California Shower Water Safe?
Population: 314,998 · Water Source: State Water Project, Groundwater, Local Surface Water
Understanding what's in your shower water is crucial for health-conscious consumers in Riverside, California. While the city's tap water meets federal safety standards for drinking, certain contaminants and water characteristics can significantly impact your skin, hair, and respiratory health when showering. Knowing your water quality empowers you to make informed decisions for your well-being.
💧 Where Does Riverside's Water Come From?
Primary Source: State Water Project, Groundwater, Local Surface Water
Riverside's water supply is a blend, primarily sourced from the State Water Project, local groundwater wells, and surface water from the Santa Ana River. This diverse supply ensures reliability but also means the water can carry various natural minerals and treated components. The water undergoes rigorous treatment processes to meet drinking water standards before distribution.
Treatment: Chloramination, Filtration, Disinfection
🔬 What's In Riverside's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Riverside'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 (3611x above) |
| Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) | 0.0000 ppt | 4e-06 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | 🚨 ABOVE EPA LIMIT (29x above) |
| Arsenic | 2.10 ppb | 10.0 ppb | 0.0040 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (526x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 36.20 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (362x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) | 8.35 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (139x above) |
| Chromium (hexavalent) | 2.07 ppb | No federal limit | 0.020 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (103x above) |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 10.77 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (72x above) |
| Nitrate | 6.65 ppm | 10.0 ppm | 0.140 ppm | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (48x above) |
| Dibromoacetic acid | 1.24 ppb | No federal limit | 0.030 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (41x above) |
| Dibromochloromethane | 4.09 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (41x 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.
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: 0.899 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 (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: 35.45 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.
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: 15.50 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: 0.812 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: 27.09 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.
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: 1.21 ppm. National average: 0.824 ppm.
Shower Impact: While primarily a drinking water concern, nitrates can contribute to skin irritation during extended shower exposure.
Dibromoacetic acid
The health guideline of 0.03 ppb for dibromoacetic acid was defined by as . This health guideline protects against cancer and harm to fetal growth and development.
Comparison: State average: 1.94 ppb. National average: 1.13 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.
Dibromochloromethane
The health guideline of 0.1 ppb for dibromochloromethane 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: 6.38 ppb. National average: 3.55 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 Riverside'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 Riverside's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Dry, itchy, or irritated skin
- Exacerbation of eczema and other skin conditions
- Premature aging and dullness
- Reduced effectiveness of soaps and moisturizers
💇 Hair Effects
- Dry, brittle, and damaged hair
- Fading of hair color
- Residue buildup, leading to limp or greasy-feeling hair
- Scalp irritation and flakiness
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Irritation of nasal passages and throat from chloramine vapors
- Exacerbation of asthma and other respiratory sensitivities
- Headaches or dizziness in poorly ventilated bathrooms
- Potential for long-term respiratory issues from DBP inhalation
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Home's Water
A professional home water test can reveal specific contaminant levels in your plumbing, offering a personalized understanding beyond city reports.
Install a Quality Shower Filter
A good shower filter can significantly reduce chlorine/chloramine, heavy metals, and other contaminants, improving skin and hair health.
Improve Bathroom Ventilation
Running an exhaust fan or opening a window during showers reduces the inhalation of harmful vapors and improves air quality.
Use Hydrating Skincare & Haircare
Opt for sulfate-free, moisturizing products designed to counteract the drying effects of hard water and chlorine.
Consider a Whole-House Water Filter
For comprehensive protection against contaminants throughout your entire home, a whole-house filtration system is the most effective solution.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Riverside'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
- chromium-6 in tap water
- THMs in your shower water
- shower water quality in Anaheim, California
- shower water quality in Bakersfield, California
Is Riverside tap water safe to shower in?
Riverside's tap water meets federal drinking water standards, making it generally safe for showering. However, the presence of chloramines, high hardness, and trace contaminants can lead to skin irritation, hair damage, and respiratory discomfort for sensitive individuals or those with pre-existing conditions.
Why does my skin feel dry and itchy after showering in Riverside?
Riverside's water is quite hard, meaning it contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals, along with chloramines used for disinfection, can strip natural oils from your skin, leading to dryness, itchiness, and irritation, especially for eczema sufferers.
Can a shower filter really make a difference for my hair and skin?
Yes, a quality shower filter can make a noticeable difference. By reducing chloramines, heavy metals, and other impurities, it helps prevent the harsh chemicals from drying out your skin and hair, leading to softer skin, shinier hair, and less irritation.
Are there specific concerns for children or people with eczema in Riverside's shower water?
Children and individuals with eczema are particularly sensitive to chloramines and hard water minerals. These can exacerbate skin dryness, trigger flare-ups, and cause discomfort. Reducing exposure through filtration and using gentle products is often recommended.
