Is San Bernardino, California Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Last updated: April 2026.
Is San Bernardino, California Shower Water Safe?
Population: 222,203 · Water Source: Groundwater (Bunker Hill Basin), State Water Project
Understanding what's in your shower water in San Bernardino, California, is crucial for your family's health and well-being. While tap water meets federal standards, certain contaminants and water characteristics can impact skin, hair, and respiratory health, making it vital for residents to be informed.
💧 Where Does San Bernardino's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Groundwater (Bunker Hill Basin), State Water Project
San Bernardino's water supply primarily comes from local groundwater pumped from the Bunker Hill Basin, a large underground aquifer. This supply is supplemented by imported water from the State Water Project, which originates from Northern California and is treated by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California before delivery. The blended water is then distributed to residents.
Treatment: Chloramination, filtration, and other conventional treatments
🔬 What's In San Bernardino's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in San Bernardino'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 (544x above) |
| Arsenic | 2.08 ppb | 10.0 ppb | 0.0040 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (521x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 36.20 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (362x above) |
| Chromium (hexavalent) | 1.14 ppb | No federal limit | 0.020 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (57x above) |
| Nitrate | 4.23 ppm | 10.0 ppm | 0.140 ppm | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (30x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) | 1.56 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (26x above) |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 2.71 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (18x above) |
| Dibromochloromethane | 0.988 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (10x above) |
| Bromodichloromethane | 0.483 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (8x above) |
| Uranium | 2.92 pCi/L | 20.0 pCi/L | 0.430 pCi/L | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (7x 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: 5.64 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.
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: 1.91 pCi/L. National average: 1.03 pCi/L.
Shower Impact: Radioactive contaminants can become aerosolized in shower steam and inhaled, adding to overall exposure.
🧴 How San Bernardino'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 San Bernardino's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Dry, itchy skin due to chloramines and hard water minerals
- Exacerbation of eczema and other sensitive skin conditions
- Potential for allergic reactions from chromium exposure
- Premature aging and dullness from chemical exposure
💇 Hair Effects
- Dry, brittle, and damaged hair texture
- Fading of hair color and chemical treatments
- Dullness and lack of shine
- Buildup of mineral deposits, leading to scalp irritation and reduced lather
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Irritation of nasal passages, throat, and lungs from inhaled chloramine and TTHM steam
- Potential for respiratory discomfort or exacerbation of asthma in sensitive individuals
- Increased exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through inhalation
- Dryness of mucous membranes from chemical exposure
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Water
A comprehensive home water test kit can provide specific data on contaminants and water hardness levels in your San Bernardino home, helping you tailor your solutions effectively.
Install a High-Quality Shower Filter
A shower filter specifically designed to remove chloramines, TTHMs, and heavy metals can significantly reduce your exposure to these contaminants, improving skin and hair health.
Reduce Shower Temperature and Duration
Lowering the water temperature and taking shorter showers can decrease the volatilization of chemicals like chloramines and TTHMs, reducing inhalation exposure.
Improve Bathroom Ventilation
Using an exhaust fan or opening a window during and after showering helps clear chemical-laden steam from the air, minimizing respiratory exposure.
Use Moisturizing Skin and Hair Products
Counteract the drying effects of San Bernardino's hard, chlorinated water by using hydrating shampoos, conditioners, and body lotions designed for sensitive or dry skin/hair.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From San Bernardino's Water
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Related Reading
- psoriasis triggered by shower water
- chromium-6 in tap water
- nitrates in tap water
- shower water quality in Anaheim, California
- shower water quality in Bakersfield, California
Is San Bernardino tap water safe to shower in?
While San Bernardino's tap water meets federal drinking water standards, it contains chloramines for disinfection and is known to be hard. These factors, along with the presence of other trace contaminants, can lead to skin irritation, hair damage, and potential respiratory issues, especially for sensitive individuals or those with existing conditions.
Why does my skin feel dry and itchy after showering in San Bernardino?
San Bernardino's water is moderately hard and treated with chloramines. These can strip natural oils from your skin, leading to dryness and itchiness. Hard water minerals can also leave a residue on your skin, further contributing to irritation and exacerbating conditions like eczema.
Does San Bernardino water damage hair?
Yes, the hard water and chloramines in San Bernardino's water can damage hair. Hard water minerals can build up on hair strands, making them dull, brittle, and difficult to manage, while chloramines can strip natural oils and fade color treatments.
Are shower filters effective for San Bernardino water?
Yes, shower filters can be highly effective for San Bernardino water. Look for filters specifically designed to reduce chloramines, chlorine, heavy metals, and potentially some volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to significantly improve your shower experience and reduce exposure.
What are the main concerns for San Bernardino residents regarding shower water?
The primary concerns for San Bernardino residents include the presence of chloramines and their disinfection byproducts (like TTHMs), naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic and chromium, and the general hardness of the water. These factors contribute to issues with skin dryness, hair damage, and potential respiratory irritation from steam inhalation.
