Is Long Beach, California Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Last updated: April 2026.
Is Long Beach, California Shower Water Safe?
Population: 466,565 · Water Source: Metropolitan Water District (MWD) (Colorado River, State Water Project) and Groundwater
For residents of Long Beach, California, understanding what's in your shower water is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and hair. While the city's tap water meets federal safety standards, invisible contaminants can still impact your well-being, making it essential to know what you're showering in daily.
💧 Where Does Long Beach's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Metropolitan Water District (MWD) (Colorado River, State Water Project) and Groundwater
Long Beach's water supply is a blend, primarily sourced from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, which imports water from the Colorado River and the State Water Project. The city also relies on local groundwater basins, managed by the Long Beach Water Department, which are treated to meet drinking water standards.
Treatment: Chloramination, Filtration, Disinfection
🔬 What's In Long Beach's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Long Beach's water supply based on real testing data from the EWG Tap Water Database:
| Contaminant | Level Found | EPA Limit | EWG Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) | 0.0000 ppt | 4e-06 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | 🚨 ABOVE EPA LIMIT (148x above) |
| Chromium (hexavalent) | 27.76 ppb | No federal limit | 0.020 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (1388x above) |
| Arsenic | 43.50 ppb | 10.0 ppb | 0.0040 ppb | 🚨 ABOVE EPA LIMIT (10875x above) |
| Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) | 0.0000 ppt | 4e-06 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | 🚨 ABOVE EPA LIMIT (135x above) |
| Tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene) | 8.64 ppb | 5.0 ppb | 0.060 ppb | 🚨 ABOVE EPA LIMIT (144x above) |
| Dibromoacetic acid | 20.07 ppb | No federal limit | 0.030 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (669x above) |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 105.7 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | 🚨 ABOVE EPA LIMIT (704x above) |
| Nitrate | 13.07 ppm | 10.0 ppm | 0.140 ppm | 🚨 ABOVE EPA LIMIT (93x above) |
| Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS) | 0.0000 ppt | 1e-05 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | 🚨 ABOVE EPA LIMIT (12771x above) |
| Bromodichloromethane | 36.67 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (611x above) |
Contaminant Details
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)
The health guideline of 0.3 ppt for PFOS 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 cardiovascular harm and harm to fetal growth.
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.
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.
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.
Tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene)
The health guideline of 0.06 ppb for tetrachloroethylene 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: 0.035 ppb. National average: 0.017 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🧴 How Long Beach'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 Long Beach's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Dryness and flakiness
- Eczema flare-ups and irritation
- Soap scum residue leading to dull skin
- Potential for allergic contact dermatitis
💇 Hair Effects
- Dull, lifeless hair
- Excessive hair breakage and frizz
- Rapid fading of hair color
- Buildup of mineral deposits on scalp and strands
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Irritation of nasal passages and throat
- Exacerbation of asthma or allergy symptoms
- Dry cough from inhaled chloramine and DBPs
- General discomfort from chemical odors
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Water
Understanding your specific water profile with a home test kit or lab analysis helps you target the right solutions for your shower.
Install a Quality Shower Filter
A good shower filter can significantly reduce chlorine, chloramine, heavy metals, and hardness minerals, improving skin and hair health.
Limit Shower Duration and Temperature
Shorter, cooler showers reduce exposure to volatile contaminants in steam and prevent excessive stripping of natural skin oils.
Moisturize Immediately After Showering
Applying moisturizer within minutes of getting out of the shower helps lock in hydration before skin can dry out from evaporation.
Consider a Whole-House Filter
For comprehensive protection against contaminants throughout your home, a whole-house filtration system offers peace of mind.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Long Beach's Water
The easiest way to remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants from your shower water.
Shop Afina Filtered Showerheads →🛒 Recommended Products for Long Beach 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
- radon gas in water
- HAAs in treated water
- shower water quality in Anaheim, California
- shower water quality in Bakersfield, California
Is Long Beach tap water safe to shower in?
While Long Beach's tap water meets federal drinking water standards, it contains elements like chloramine and hardness minerals that can negatively impact skin and hair health. For health-conscious individuals, especially those with sensitivities, additional filtration can provide a more comfortable and healthier showering experience.
Why does Long Beach water feel so hard and dry out my skin?
Long Beach's water contains a significant amount of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium, making it 'hard' water. These minerals react with soap to form scum, which can leave a residue on your skin and hair, leading to dryness, irritation, and dullness.
What causes the chemical smell in my Long Beach shower?
The chemical smell, often described as bleach-like, is primarily due to chloramine, the disinfectant used by the Long Beach Water Department. When heated in the shower, chloramine can volatilize, creating an odor and potentially irritating respiratory passages.
Can a shower filter really make a difference for my skin and hair in Long Beach?
Yes, a quality shower filter can make a noticeable difference. By reducing chloramine, heavy metals, and in some cases, hardness minerals, filters help prevent dryness, irritation, and buildup, leading to softer skin, shinier hair, and less eczema flare-ups.
Are disinfection byproducts (DBPs) a concern in Long Beach shower water?
Disinfection byproducts like Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) are formed when disinfectants react with organic matter in the water. While Long Beach's levels are below EPA limits, these compounds can become airborne in shower steam and be inhaled, posing long-term health concerns for sensitive individuals.
