Is Fontana, California Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Last updated: April 2026.
Is Fontana, California Shower Water Safe?
Population: 218,390 · Water Source: Groundwater, State Water Project, Lytle Creek
Fontana residents, your shower water might be impacting your skin, hair, and overall well-being more than you realize. Understanding the unique composition of Fontana's water in 2026 is crucial for health-conscious consumers, especially those with sensitivities or existing skin and hair concerns.
💧 Where Does Fontana's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Groundwater, State Water Project, Lytle Creek
Fontana's water supply is a blend of local groundwater, imported water from the State Water Project via the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), and surface water from Lytle Creek. This diverse sourcing helps ensure reliability but also means the water carries characteristics from multiple origins, including natural minerals and treated components.
Treatment: Chloramination, filtration, and pH adjustment
🔬 What's In Fontana's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Fontana'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 (919x above) |
| Arsenic | 2.52 ppb | 10.0 ppb | 0.0040 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (630x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 36.20 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (362x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) | 17.82 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (297x above) |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 21.95 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (146x above) |
| Chromium (hexavalent) | 2.70 ppb | No federal limit | 0.020 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (135x above) |
| Bromodichloromethane | 5.19 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (87x above) |
| Dibromoacetic acid | 2.39 ppb | No federal limit | 0.030 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (80x above) |
| Dibromochloromethane | 7.69 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (77x above) |
| Nitrate | 4.36 ppm | 10.0 ppm | 0.140 ppm | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (31x 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.
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.
🧴 How Fontana'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 Fontana's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Dry, itchy skin
- Exacerbation of eczema and other skin conditions
- Soap scum residue leading to dullness
- Potential for skin irritation and redness
💇 Hair Effects
- Dry, brittle, and damaged hair
- Fading of hair color
- Mineral buildup and residue, making hair feel heavy or greasy
- Reduced effectiveness of shampoos and conditioners
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Inhalation of chloramine and TTHM vapors causing irritation
- Potential triggering of asthma or allergy symptoms
- Dryness of nasal passages and throat
- General respiratory discomfort from steam and contaminants
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Home's Water
Understanding the specific contaminants and their levels in your home's water allows you to choose the most effective solutions tailored to your needs.
Install a Quality Shower Filter
A good shower filter can significantly reduce chloramine, sediment, and heavy metals, leading to noticeable improvements in skin and hair health.
Adjust Shower Habits
Taking shorter, cooler showers can minimize exposure to volatile contaminants like chloramine and TTHMs that vaporize more readily in hot water.
Use Skin and Hair Products for Hard Water
Look for shampoos, conditioners, and body washes formulated to counteract hard water effects or to chelate minerals, helping to reduce dryness and buildup.
Moisturize Immediately After Showering
Applying moisturizer to damp skin within minutes of showering helps to lock in hydration and create a barrier against environmental stressors.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Fontana'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
- trihalomethanes in treated water
- hexavalent chromium in water
- shower water quality in Anaheim, California
- shower water quality in Bakersfield, California
Is Fontana tap water safe to shower in?
While Fontana's tap water meets federal safety standards for drinking, contaminants like chloramine and hard minerals can still negatively impact skin and hair, and potentially respiratory health during showering. It's generally safe, but concerns for sensitive individuals or those seeking optimal skin and hair health are valid.
Why does my skin feel dry and my hair look dull after showering in Fontana?
Fontana's water is moderately hard, meaning it contains high levels of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals, along with chloramine, can strip natural oils from your skin and hair, leading to dryness, dullness, and residue buildup.
Can showering in Fontana water affect my eczema or sensitive skin?
Yes, the chloramine and hard minerals in Fontana's shower water can exacerbate conditions like eczema and sensitive skin. These components can strip protective oils, irritate the skin barrier, and lead to increased dryness, itching, and redness.
Do shower filters really make a difference for Fontana water?
Absolutely. A high-quality shower filter can significantly reduce chloramine, sediment, and certain heavy metals and minerals, leading to softer skin, shinier hair, and less respiratory irritation from steam. Look for filters specifically designed to address these common Fontana water issues.
What causes the 'chlorine' smell in my Fontana shower?
The 'chlorine' smell you notice is actually from chloramine, which is used to disinfect Fontana's water. When heated in the shower, chloramine can become volatile and release into the air, creating that distinct odor and potentially causing respiratory irritation.
