Is Lakewood, Colorado Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Last updated: April 2026.
Is Lakewood, Colorado Shower Water Safe?
Population: 157,431 · Water Source: Denver Water (South Platte River, Fraser River, Blue River)
Understanding what's in your shower water is crucial for your health and well-being in Lakewood, Colorado. While the city's tap water meets federal safety standards for drinking, certain contaminants can still impact your skin, hair, and respiratory health when showering. Knowing these details empowers you to make informed decisions about your household water.
💧 Where Does Lakewood's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Denver Water (South Platte River, Fraser River, Blue River)
Lakewood receives its water primarily from Denver Water, which draws from mountain snowmelt in the South Platte, Fraser, and Blue River basins. This extensive system collects water from protected watersheds, which is then transported through a network of reservoirs and pipelines to treatment plants. The water undergoes rigorous treatment processes to ensure it meets quality standards before distribution.
Treatment: Conventional treatment (coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration), ozonation, and chloramination
🔬 What's In Lakewood's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Lakewood's water supply based on real testing data from the EWG Tap Water Database:
| Contaminant | Level Found | EPA Limit | EWG Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) | 14.75 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (246x above) |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 28.86 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (192x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 16.56 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (166x above) |
| Bromodichloromethane | 8.02 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (134x above) |
| Trichloroacetic acid | 6.33 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (63x above) |
| Dichloroacetic acid | 10.10 ppb | No federal limit | 0.200 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (51x above) |
| Chloroform | 18.94 ppb | No federal limit | 0.400 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (47x above) |
| Dibromochloromethane | 1.90 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (19x above) |
| Radium, combined (-226 and -228) | 0.737 pCi/L | 5.0 pCi/L | 0.050 pCi/L | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (15x above) |
| Dibromoacetic acid | 0.119 ppb | No federal limit | 0.030 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (4x above) |
Contaminant Details
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: 22.55 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: 28.86 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: 17.15 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: 6.38 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: 7.29 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.
Dichloroacetic acid
The health guideline of 0.2 ppb for dichloroacetic 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: 8.32 ppb. National average: 8.00 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.
Chloroform
The health guideline of 0.4 ppb for chloroform 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: 18.31 ppb. National average: 16.20 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: 3.20 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.
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: 0.901 pCi/L. National average: 0.332 pCi/L.
Shower Impact: Radioactive contaminants can become aerosolized in shower steam and inhaled, adding to overall 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: 0.864 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.
🧴 How Lakewood'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 Lakewood's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Increased dryness and flakiness due to chloramine and hard water minerals
- Exacerbation of conditions like eczema and psoriasis
- Soap scum residue leading to clogged pores and irritation
- Premature aging of skin from oxidative stress
💇 Hair Effects
- Dry, brittle, and damaged hair strands
- Dullness and lack of shine, especially for color-treated hair
- Frizz and difficulty managing hair texture
- Mineral buildup that can weigh hair down and affect scalp health
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Irritation of nasal passages and throat from inhaled chloramine and TTHMs
- Potential trigger for asthma and allergy symptoms in sensitive individuals
- Sinus dryness and discomfort from chemical vapors
- General respiratory discomfort during prolonged hot showers
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Water
Consider a home water test kit to get a precise understanding of the contaminants in your specific household plumbing. This provides personalized data beyond general city reports.
Install a Shower Filter
A high-quality shower filter can effectively reduce chloramine, TTHMs, and other contaminants that negatively impact skin, hair, and respiratory health during showering.
Limit Shower Time and Temperature
Shorter, cooler showers reduce exposure to volatile chemicals like chloramine and TTHMs, which vaporize more readily in hot, steamy conditions.
Moisturize Immediately
Apply a rich moisturizer to your skin within minutes of showering to lock in hydration and combat the drying effects of hard water and disinfectants.
Use Gentle Hair & Skin Products
Opt for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners, and mild body washes that help mitigate the harshness of tap water and maintain your skin's natural barrier.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Lakewood's Water
The easiest way to remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants from your shower water.
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Replacement filter cartridge for Afina shower filters. Lasts up to 6 months or 10,000 gallons.
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Related Reading
- why your skin feels dry after showering
- chromium-6 in tap water
- fluoride effects on skin
- shower water quality in Denver, Colorado
- shower water quality in Fort Collins, Colorado
Is Lakewood tap water safe to shower in?
Yes, Lakewood's tap water meets all EPA drinking water standards, making it generally safe for showering. However, disinfectants like chloramine and other trace contaminants can still cause aesthetic issues and health concerns for sensitive individuals or those with skin and hair conditions.
Why does my skin feel dry and itchy after showering in Lakewood?
The primary culprits are likely chloramine, used for disinfection, and the moderate hardness of the water. Chloramine can strip natural oils, while hard water minerals leave a residue that can dry out and irritate your skin, exacerbating conditions like eczema.
Will a shower filter really help with my hair and skin issues?
Absolutely. A quality shower filter is designed to reduce contaminants like chloramine, heavy metals, and sediment that contribute to dry skin, dull hair, and irritation. Many users report significant improvements in skin hydration and hair health after installing one.
What is 'hard water' and how does it affect my shower experience?
Hard water contains high levels of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. In the shower, these minerals react with soap to form scum, reduce lather, and leave a residue on your skin and hair, leading to dryness, dullness, and buildup.
Are there specific concerns for children or people with eczema in Lakewood's shower water?
Yes, children and individuals with eczema are often more sensitive to chloramine and hard water. These contaminants can further irritate delicate skin, trigger flare-ups, and worsen dryness, making a shower filter particularly beneficial for these groups.
