Is Roseville, California Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Last updated: April 2026.
Is Roseville, California Shower Water Safe?
Population: 152,715 · Water Source: Folsom Lake (American River)
For Roseville residents, understanding what's in your shower water is crucial for maintaining optimal skin and hair health. While Roseville's water meets federal safety standards, specific contaminants present in your daily shower can still contribute to common issues like dry skin, hair damage, and respiratory irritation.
💧 Where Does Roseville's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Folsom Lake (American River)
Roseville draws its primary drinking water from Folsom Lake, part of the American River watershed. This surface water source undergoes extensive treatment at the Mahany and Roseville Parkway Water Treatment Plants, ensuring it meets all regulatory standards before distribution. The treatment process involves multiple steps to remove impurities and disinfect the water.
Treatment: Conventional filtration, coagulation, sedimentation, disinfection with chloramines
🔬 What's In Roseville's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Roseville'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 (1558x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) | 28.06 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (468x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 36.52 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (365x above) |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 54.61 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (364x above) |
| Trichloroacetic acid | 22.10 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (221x above) |
| Chromium (hexavalent) | 3.34 ppb | No federal limit | 0.020 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (167x above) |
| Arsenic | 0.525 ppb | 10.0 ppb | 0.0040 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (131x above) |
| Chloroform | 51.95 ppb | No federal limit | 0.400 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (130x above) |
| Dichloroacetic acid | 11.38 ppb | No federal limit | 0.200 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (57x above) |
| Bromodichloromethane | 2.73 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (46x 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chloroform
The health guideline of 0.4 ppb for chloroform 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: 10.45 ppb. National average: 16.20 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.
Dichloroacetic acid
The health guideline of 0.2 ppb for dichloroacetic 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: 4.69 ppb. National average: 8.00 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.
🧴 How Roseville'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 Roseville's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Dryness and flakiness
- Eczema flare-ups and irritation
- Increased sensitivity and redness
- Premature aging due to oxidative stress
💇 Hair Effects
- Brittleness and breakage
- Dullness and lack of shine
- Fading of hair color
- Frizz and difficulty styling
- Scalp irritation and dryness
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Asthma and allergy exacerbation
- Sinus and throat irritation
- Dry cough from chemical vapors
- Irritation of mucous membranes
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Home's Water
Understanding the specific contaminants and hardness levels in your home's water can help you choose the most effective solutions tailored to your needs.
Install a Quality Shower Filter
A good shower filter can significantly reduce chloramines, disinfection byproducts, and sediment, mitigating their harsh effects on your skin, hair, and respiratory system.
Shower with Cooler Water
Using slightly cooler water reduces the amount of volatile contaminants, like chloramines and DBPs, that can off-gas into steam for inhalation, and helps prevent stripping natural oils from skin and hair.
Moisturize Immediately After Showering
Applying a rich moisturizer to damp skin within minutes of showering helps to lock in hydration and replenish your skin's natural barrier, counteracting the drying effects of hard water and chemicals.
Use Gentle, pH-Balanced Products
Opt for shampoos, conditioners, and body washes that are sulfate-free and pH-balanced to avoid further stripping natural oils and to maintain the health of your skin and hair.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Roseville's Water
The easiest way to remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants from your shower water.
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Replacement filter cartridge for Afina shower filters. Lasts up to 6 months or 10,000 gallons.
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Shop Now →❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Related Reading
- why your skin feels dry after showering
- chromium-6 in tap water
- arsenic in your water supply
- shower water quality in Anaheim, California
- shower water quality in Bakersfield, California
Is Roseville tap water safe to shower in?
Roseville's tap water meets all EPA drinking water standards, making it generally safe for showering. However, constituents like chloramines and hardness, while not health risks at these levels, can negatively impact sensitive skin, hair, and respiratory systems.
Why does my shower water smell like chlorine?
Roseville uses chloramines, a combination of chlorine and ammonia, for disinfection. This chemical can off-gas in hot shower water, creating a noticeable odor and potentially irritating respiratory passages for sensitive individuals.
Does Roseville have hard water?
Yes, Roseville's water is generally considered moderately to very hard, primarily due to naturally occurring minerals like calcium and magnesium from its Folsom Lake source. This hardness contributes to soap scum, dry skin, and dull hair.
Can contaminants affect my skin/hair?
Absolutely. Contaminants like chloramines strip natural oils, leading to dry, irritated skin and brittle, faded hair. Hard water minerals can leave residue, exacerbating dryness, frizz, and product buildup.
How often should I replace a shower filter?
Most shower filters are designed to be replaced every 2-3 months or after a certain gallon capacity, typically 10,000-12,000 gallons. Check your specific filter's instructions for optimal performance and contaminant reduction.
