Is Murrieta, California Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Last updated: April 2026.
Is Murrieta, California Shower Water Safe?
Population: 113,167 · Water Source: Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD), Groundwater and Imported Water
Understanding what's in your shower water is crucial for your health and well-being, especially in Murrieta, California. While Murrieta's tap water meets regulatory standards for drinking, the unique challenges of local water quality can significantly impact your skin, hair, and respiratory health during showering.
💧 Where Does Murrieta's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD), Groundwater and Imported Water
Murrieta's water supply is a blend, primarily sourced from local groundwater wells managed by Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD), supplemented by imported water from the State Water Project and Colorado River Aqueduct. This imported water is treated by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California before delivery to EMWD. The blend ensures a consistent supply but means the water quality can vary based on the mix of sources.
Treatment: Chloramination, Filtration, and Disinfection
🔬 What's In Murrieta's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Murrieta'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 (1678x above) |
| Arsenic | 3.39 ppb | 10.0 ppb | 0.0040 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (849x above) |
| Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) | 0.0000 ppt | 4e-06 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | 🚨 ABOVE EPA LIMIT (49x above) |
| Radon | 724.6 pCi/L | No federal limit | 1.50 pCi/L | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (483x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 36.20 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (362x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) | 13.36 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (223x above) |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 27.94 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (186x above) |
| Bromodichloromethane | 8.27 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (138x above) |
| Bromate | 10.00 ppb | 10.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (100x above) |
| Dibromochloromethane | 8.57 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (86x 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.
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.
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: 18.20 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.
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.
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.
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.
Bromate
The health guideline of 0.1 ppb for bromate 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: 1.42 ppb. National average: 1.20 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 Murrieta'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 Murrieta's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Increased dryness and flakiness due to mineral buildup and disinfectant exposure.
- Exacerbation of eczema, psoriasis, and other sensitive skin conditions.
- Soap scum residue leading to clogged pores and irritation.
- Premature skin aging from oxidative stress caused by disinfectants.
💇 Hair Effects
- Dry, brittle, and dull hair texture.
- Color fading in chemically treated hair.
- Scalp irritation and buildup, potentially leading to dandruff.
- Reduced lathering of shampoos, requiring more product for effective cleaning.
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Inhalation of volatilized chloramine and disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in shower steam.
- Irritation of nasal passages and lungs, potentially triggering asthma or allergy symptoms.
- Exposure to VOCs from contaminants in hot, steamy environments.
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Home's Water
Understanding the specific contaminants and hardness levels in your home's water allows for targeted solutions. Local water quality can vary, even within Murrieta.
Install a Quality Shower Filter
A good shower filter can significantly reduce chloramine, heavy metals, and other common contaminants, improving skin and hair health and reducing respiratory exposure.
Use Gentle Skincare & Haircare
Opt for sulfate-free, moisturizing products that can counteract the drying effects of hard water and disinfectants, helping to maintain your skin's natural barrier and hair's health.
Consider a Whole-House Water Filter
For comprehensive protection against contaminants throughout your home, a whole-house system addresses water quality at every tap, not just the shower.
Limit Shower Time & Temperature
Shorter, cooler showers can reduce exposure to volatile contaminants and prevent excessive stripping of natural oils from your skin and hair.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Murrieta's Water
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Related Reading
- psoriasis triggered by shower water
- haloacetic acids in shower water
- THMs in your shower water
- shower water quality in Anaheim, California
- shower water quality in Bakersfield, California
Is Murrieta tap water safe to shower in?
While Murrieta's tap water meets federal drinking water standards, it contains disinfectants like chloramine and is known for its high hardness. These factors can lead to skin dryness, hair damage, and respiratory irritation, especially for sensitive individuals or those with pre-existing conditions.
How does Murrieta's hard water affect my skin and hair?
Murrieta's very hard water, rich in calcium and magnesium, leaves mineral deposits on your skin and hair. This can lead to dry, itchy skin, dull and brittle hair, and can make conditions like eczema worse by preventing effective rinsing of soaps and shampoos.
What causes the chemical smell in my Murrieta shower water?
The chemical smell, often described as bleach-like, is primarily due to chloramine, which Eastern Municipal Water District uses as a disinfectant. When heated in the shower, chloramine can volatilize, making the odor more noticeable and leading to inhalation exposure.
Are shower filters effective for Murrieta's water?
Yes, high-quality shower filters are very effective at reducing chloramine, chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants found in Murrieta's water. They can significantly improve the feel of your skin and hair, reduce odors, and minimize inhalation exposure to harmful chemicals.
Is Murrieta water safe for babies and people with sensitive skin to shower in?
While generally safe, the presence of chloramine and high mineral content in Murrieta's water can be particularly irritating for babies and individuals with very sensitive skin or conditions like eczema. Using a shower filter and gentle, fragrance-free products is highly recommended to minimize potential irritation.
