Is Los Angeles, California Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Is Los Angeles, California Shower Water Safe?
Population: 3,820,914 · Water Source: Los Angeles Aqueduct, Colorado River, State Water Project
Understanding what's in your shower water is crucial for your health and well-being in Los Angeles, California. While the city's tap water meets federal drinking standards, contaminants present can still impact your skin, hair, and respiratory health, making it essential to be informed about your daily shower. Knowing your water quality empowers you to take proactive steps for a healthier showering experience.
💧 Where Does Los Angeles's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Los Angeles Aqueduct, Colorado River, State Water Project
Los Angeles receives its water from a diverse portfolio of sources, including the Los Angeles Aqueduct (from the Eastern Sierra Nevada), the Colorado River via the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), and the State Water Project (from Northern California). This blend undergoes rigorous treatment processes to ensure it meets drinking water standards before reaching homes. The varied origins mean water quality can fluctuate slightly depending on the dominant source at a given time.
Treatment: Coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection (primarily chloramination), and fluoridation.
🔬 What's In Los Angeles's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Los Angeles'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 (4702x above) |
| Chromium (hexavalent) | 27.76 ppb | No federal limit | 0.020 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (1388x above) |
| Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) | 0.0000 ppt | 4e-06 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | 🚨 ABOVE EPA LIMIT (81x above) |
| Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) | 0.0000 ppt | 4e-06 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | 🚨 ABOVE EPA LIMIT (99x above) |
| Arsenic | 2.29 ppb | 10.0 ppb | 0.0040 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (572x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 36.20 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (362x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) | 11.02 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (184x above) |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 27.14 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (181x above) |
| Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) | 0.0000 ppt | 1e-05 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (70x above) |
| Bromate | 2.80 ppb | 10.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (28x 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)
The health guideline of 0.006 ppt for perfluorononanoic acid 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 immune system and harm to fetal growth and child development.
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.
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.
🧴 How Los Angeles'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 Los Angeles's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Dryness and irritation due to chloramine and mineral deposits.
- Eczema flare-ups and increased sensitivity.
- Dullness and residue buildup from hard water minerals.
- Potential for allergic reactions from certain contaminants.
💇 Hair Effects
- Dry, brittle, and damaged hair from chloramine.
- Fading of hair color and chemical treatments.
- Residue buildup, leading to dullness and limpness.
- Increased breakage and difficulty styling due to mineral deposits.
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Irritation of nasal passages and lungs from inhaled chloramine and disinfection byproducts.
- Exacerbation of asthma and other respiratory conditions.
- General discomfort and sensitivity to strong chemical odors.
- Potential for long-term health risks from chronic inhalation of volatile contaminants.
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Water
Obtain a home water testing kit or send a sample to a certified lab to understand the specific contaminants and their levels in your Los Angeles home's water. This provides personalized data beyond general city reports.
Install a Quality Shower Filter
A high-quality shower filter can significantly reduce chloramine, chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants that impact skin, hair, and respiratory health, providing a cleaner and safer showering experience.
Limit Shower Time and Temperature
Shorter, cooler showers reduce exposure to volatile contaminants that off-gas into steam, minimizing inhalation and skin absorption. Hot water also strips natural oils more quickly.
Moisturize Immediately
Apply a rich moisturizer to your skin within minutes of showering to lock in hydration and create a barrier against environmental irritants, especially important for those with dry skin or eczema.
Use pH-Balanced Hair and Skin Products
Opt for shampoos, conditioners, and body washes that are pH-balanced to counteract the effects of hard water and help maintain your skin's natural protective barrier.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Los Angeles'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 Bakersfield, California
- shower water quality in Chula Vista, California
Is Los Angeles tap water safe to shower in?
While Los Angeles tap water meets federal drinking water standards, it contains disinfectants like chloramine and various minerals that can impact sensitive individuals. For those concerned about skin, hair, or respiratory health, it's beneficial to take steps to mitigate these effects.
Why does my skin feel dry and itchy after showering in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles water is moderately hard and treated with chloramine. These factors can strip your skin's natural oils, leaving it feeling dry, tight, and itchy. Mineral buildup from hard water can also contribute to skin irritation and exacerbate conditions like eczema.
Does Los Angeles water cause hair damage or color fading?
Yes, the chloramine and mineral hardness in Los Angeles water can be harsh on hair. Chloramine can break down hair proteins and fade color, while mineral deposits can leave hair dull, brittle, and prone to breakage, especially for chemically treated hair.
How effective are shower filters for Los Angeles water?
Shower filters can be highly effective in reducing common Los Angeles water contaminants like chloramine, chlorine, and some heavy metals. They work by using various filtration media to chemically convert or physically trap these substances, leading to a noticeable improvement in water quality for showering.
Can Los Angeles shower water affect my eczema?
Absolutely. The chloramine and hard water minerals in Los Angeles's shower water can be significant triggers for eczema sufferers. They can dry out the skin, disrupt the skin barrier, and lead to increased inflammation, itchiness, and flare-ups.
