Is Sacramento, California Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Last updated: April 2026.
Is Sacramento, California Shower Water Safe?
Population: 528,001 · Water Source: Sacramento River, American River
Understanding the quality of your shower water in Sacramento, California, is crucial for your health and well-being. While Sacramento's tap water meets federal drinking water standards, what flows from your showerhead can still impact your skin, hair, and respiratory health. Discover what contaminants might be present and how they could be affecting you in 2026.
💧 Where Does Sacramento's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Sacramento River, American River
Sacramento's water supply primarily comes from the Sacramento River and the American River, both surface water sources. This water undergoes extensive treatment at facilities like the Sacramento River Water Treatment Plant before distribution. The treatment process is designed to remove impurities and ensure the water is safe for consumption.
Treatment: Coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection (chloramination)
🔬 What's In Sacramento's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Sacramento'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 (977x above) |
| Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) | 0.0000 ppt | 4e-06 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | 🚨 ABOVE EPA LIMIT (15x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) | 27.79 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (463x above) |
| Arsenic | 1.54 ppb | 10.0 ppb | 0.0040 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (385x above) |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 55.64 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (371x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 36.20 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (362x above) |
| Trichloroacetic acid | 22.69 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (227x above) |
| Chromium (hexavalent) | 2.80 ppb | No federal limit | 0.020 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (140x above) |
| Chloroform | 49.36 ppb | No federal limit | 0.400 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (123x above) |
| Bromodichloromethane | 6.91 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (115x 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Sacramento'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 Sacramento's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Dry, itchy skin
- Exacerbation of eczema and other skin sensitivities
- Soap scum residue, leading to dullness
- Potential for premature skin aging due to chemical exposure
💇 Hair Effects
- Dry, brittle hair
- Fading of hair color
- Mineral buildup, causing dullness and frizz
- Reduced lather from shampoos and conditioners
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Irritation of nasal passages and throat from chloramine and DBP vapors
- Exacerbation of asthma and allergies due to inhaled chemicals
- Dryness and discomfort in the respiratory system during hot showers
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Home's Water
A professional water test can identify specific contaminants and their levels in your tap water, providing personalized insights beyond city-wide reports.
Install a Quality Shower Filter
A good shower filter can significantly reduce chlorine, chloramine, heavy metals, and some disinfection byproducts, improving water quality for your skin and hair.
Use Moisturizing Skincare and Haircare
Counteract the drying effects of hard water and chemicals by using hydrating body washes, lotions, and hair conditioners immediately after showering.
Limit Shower Time and Temperature
Shorter, cooler showers reduce exposure to volatile chemicals like chloramine and DBPs, minimizing skin irritation and inhalation risks.
Regularly Clean Your Showerhead
Prevent mineral buildup and bacterial growth in your showerhead by cleaning it regularly with vinegar or a descaling solution, ensuring optimal water flow.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Sacramento's Water
The easiest way to remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants from your shower water.
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Shop Now →❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Related Reading
- why your skin feels dry after showering
- trihalomethanes in treated water
- hexavalent chromium in water
- shower water quality in Anaheim, California
- shower water quality in Bakersfield, California
Is Sacramento tap water safe to shower in?
Sacramento's tap water meets all federal safety standards for drinking, making it generally safe for showering. However, the presence of disinfectants like chloramine, disinfection byproducts, and water hardness can lead to skin irritation, hair damage, and respiratory discomfort for sensitive individuals.
What causes dry skin and hair after showering in Sacramento?
The primary culprits are chloramine, which strips natural oils, and water hardness. Hard water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium that leave residue on skin and hair, contributing to dryness, dullness, and reduced effectiveness of personal care products.
Do shower filters really work for Sacramento water?
Yes, shower filters can be highly effective in Sacramento, especially those designed to remove chloramine, chlorine, and heavy metals. They can significantly reduce exposure to these contaminants, leading to noticeable improvements in skin hydration, hair health, and reduced respiratory irritation.
Are there specific concerns for children or sensitive individuals?
Children, infants, and individuals with eczema, asthma, or chemical sensitivities may be more vulnerable to the effects of chloramine and disinfection byproducts in shower water. Their developing systems and compromised skin barriers can absorb more contaminants, making filtered water particularly beneficial.
How often should I clean my showerhead in Sacramento?
Given Sacramento's moderate water hardness, cleaning your showerhead every 1-3 months is recommended. This prevents mineral buildup that can restrict water flow, harbor bacteria, and potentially affect water quality and pressure.
