Is Pomona, California Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Last updated: April 2026.
Is Pomona, California Shower Water Safe?
Population: 148,203 · Water Source: Groundwater, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD)
Concerned about the quality of your shower water in Pomona, California? As of 2026, understanding what's in your water is crucial for your health and well-being, especially for sensitive skin, hair, and respiratory systems. This guide provides an expert look at Pomona's water quality and its impact on your daily shower.
💧 Where Does Pomona's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Groundwater, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD)
Pomona's water supply is a blend of local groundwater and imported treated surface water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). MWD sources include the Colorado River Aqueduct and the State Water Project, which brings water from Northern California. Both sources undergo extensive treatment before distribution.
Treatment: Disinfection (primarily chloramination), filtration, coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, and other advanced treatments by MWD.
🔬 What's In Pomona's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Pomona'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 (855x above) |
| Arsenic | 2.90 ppb | 10.0 ppb | 0.0040 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (725x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 36.20 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (362x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) | 20.76 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (346x above) |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 45.99 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (307x above) |
| Chromium (hexavalent) | 4.25 ppb | No federal limit | 0.020 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (212x above) |
| Bromodichloromethane | 12.33 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (206x above) |
| Dibromoacetic acid | 3.92 ppb | No federal limit | 0.030 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (131x above) |
| Dibromochloromethane | 11.26 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (113x above) |
| Trichloroacetic acid | 5.57 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (56x 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: 3.71 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 Pomona'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 Pomona's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Dry, itchy, and irritated skin, especially for those with eczema.
- Exacerbation of skin conditions due to harsh chemicals and mineral buildup.
- Dullness and lack of radiance due to mineral residue.
- Increased sensitivity and redness from chloramines and other disinfectants.
💇 Hair Effects
- Dry, brittle, and damaged hair, leading to breakage and split ends.
- Fading of hair color and chemical treatments.
- Dullness, lack of shine, and difficulty lathering shampoos due to hard water.
- Scalp irritation and buildup from mineral deposits and chemical exposure.
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Irritation of the nasal passages and throat from inhaled chloramine and DBP vapors.
- Exacerbation of asthma and allergy symptoms due to chemical off-gassing in steam.
- General respiratory discomfort during and after showering.
- Potential long-term respiratory health concerns from chronic inhalation of disinfection byproducts.
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Water
A professional water test can give you precise data on contaminants in your home's water, allowing for targeted solutions.
Install a Quality Shower Filter
A good shower filter can significantly reduce chloramines, disinfection byproducts, and some heavy metals, improving skin and hair health.
Shorten Shower Times & Use Lukewarm Water
Reducing exposure time and opting for cooler water minimizes the inhalation of steam-borne contaminants and absorption through the skin.
Ensure Bathroom Ventilation
Proper ventilation helps remove chemical vapors from the air, reducing respiratory exposure during and after showering.
Moisturize Immediately After Showering
Applying moisturizer to damp skin helps lock in hydration and creates a protective barrier against external irritants.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Pomona's Water
The easiest way to remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants from your shower water.
Shop Afina Filtered Showerheads →🛒 Recommended Products for Pomona Residents
Afina Filtered Showerhead
15-stage filtered showerhead that removes chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants while providing great water pressure.
✨ All-in-one solution — filters water and gives you a premium shower experience
Shop Now →Afina Shower Filter
Universal shower filter that attaches to any existing showerhead. Removes chlorine, chloramine, and sediment.
✨ Keep your current showerhead and add powerful filtration
Shop Now →Afina Replacement Filter
Replacement filter cartridge for Afina shower filters. Lasts up to 6 months or 10,000 gallons.
✨ Easy replacement every 2-3 months to maintain peak filtration
Shop Now →❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Related Reading
- psoriasis triggered by shower water
- trihalomethanes in treated water
- hexavalent chromium in water
- shower water quality in Anaheim, California
- shower water quality in Bakersfield, California
Is Pomona tap water safe to shower in?
While Pomona's tap water meets most federal and state safety standards for drinking, the presence of chloramines, hard minerals, and disinfection byproducts can negatively impact skin, hair, and respiratory health during showering. For health-conscious consumers, especially those with sensitivities, additional filtration is often beneficial.
Why does my skin feel dry and itchy after showering in Pomona?
The dryness and itchiness are likely due to the hard water minerals and chloramines present in Pomona's water. These substances can strip natural oils from your skin, leaving it dehydrated and prone to irritation, particularly for individuals with conditions like eczema.
Can Pomona's water damage my hair?
Yes, the high mineral content (hardness) and chloramines in Pomona's water can cause hair damage. Hard water prevents shampoo from lathering effectively and leaves a residue that makes hair dull, brittle, and prone to breakage, while chloramines can strip natural oils and fade color.
Do shower filters really make a difference for Pomona's water?
Absolutely. A high-quality shower filter can significantly reduce chloramines, chlorine, and some heavy metals and disinfection byproducts, leading to noticeable improvements in skin hydration, hair softness, and a reduction in chemical odors in your shower steam. They are a practical solution for addressing common shower water concerns.
What is the 'chlorine' smell in my Pomona shower water?
The distinct smell you notice is primarily from chloramines, which are used to disinfect Pomona's water and maintain disinfection residual in the pipes. When heated in a shower, these chemicals can become volatile and create a noticeable odor, which can also irritate respiratory passages.
