Is Simi Valley, California Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Last updated: April 2026.
Is Simi Valley, California Shower Water Safe?
Population: 126,871 · Water Source: Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), Groundwater
For health-conscious residents and parents in Simi Valley, California, understanding what's in your shower water is crucial for well-being. While tap water meets federal safety standards, contaminants like chloramines and hard minerals can significantly impact skin, hair, and respiratory health. Discover what lurks in your Simi Valley shower and how to mitigate its effects.
💧 Where Does Simi Valley's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), Groundwater
Simi Valley's water supply in 2026 primarily originates from two sources: imported water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) and local groundwater. MWD draws water from the State Water Project (Northern California) and the Colorado River Aqueduct, which undergoes extensive treatment. Local groundwater is also pumped and treated, contributing to the city's overall supply.
Treatment: Conventional treatment (coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration) followed by disinfection, primarily using chloramines, and fluoridation.
🔬 What's In Simi Valley's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Simi Valley's water supply based on real testing data from the EWG Tap Water Database:
| Contaminant | Level Found | EPA Limit | EWG Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic | 3.08 ppb | 10.0 ppb | 0.0040 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (771x above) |
| Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) | 0.0000 ppt | 4e-06 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | 🚨 ABOVE EPA LIMIT (34x above) |
| Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) | 0.0000 ppt | 4e-06 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | 🚨 ABOVE EPA LIMIT (107x above) |
| Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS) | 0.0000 ppt | 1e-05 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | 🚨 ABOVE EPA LIMIT (12771x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) | 24.48 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (408x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 36.20 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (362x above) |
| Dibromoacetic acid | 9.33 ppb | No federal limit | 0.030 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (311x above) |
| Radon | 372.2 pCi/L | No federal limit | 1.50 pCi/L | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (248x above) |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 32.72 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (218x above) |
| Bromochloroacetic acid | 2.96 ppb | No federal limit | 0.020 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (148x above) |
Contaminant Details
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.
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.
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.
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.
Radon
The health guideline of for radon 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: 18.20 pCi/L. National average: 47.68 pCi/L.
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.
Bromochloroacetic acid
The health guideline of 0.02 ppb for bromochloroacetic acid was defined by as . This health guideline protects against cancer.
Comparison: State average: 2.49 ppb. National average: 2.80 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 Simi Valley'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 Simi Valley's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Increased dryness and irritation, especially for eczema sufferers
- Exacerbation of existing skin conditions due to hard water minerals and chloramines
- Premature aging and dullness from mineral buildup and chemical exposure
- Reduced effectiveness of soaps and moisturizers
💇 Hair Effects
- Dry, brittle, and frizzy hair texture
- Color fading and damage for chemically treated hair
- Mineral buildup, leading to dullness and difficulty styling
- Increased hair breakage and scalp irritation
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Inhalation of chloramine byproducts (e.g., TTHMs, HAAs) in shower steam
- Potential aggravation of asthma, allergies, and other respiratory sensitivities
- Irritation of nasal passages and throat from chemical vapors
- Increased exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that off-gas during showering
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Water Regularly
Understanding the specific contaminants in your home's water allows you to choose the most effective solutions for your shower water safety.
Install a High-Quality Shower Filter
A good shower filter can significantly reduce chloramines, heavy metals, and other contaminants, leading to healthier skin, hair, and respiratory comfort.
Shorten Shower Times and Use Cooler Water
Reducing the duration and temperature of your showers can minimize exposure to airborne contaminants and hot water's drying effects on skin and hair.
Use pH-Balanced and Moisturizing Products
Opt for soaps, shampoos, and conditioners specifically designed to counteract hard water effects and restore skin and hair's natural moisture balance.
Ensure Proper Bathroom Ventilation
Running an exhaust fan or opening a window during and after showering helps dissipate chemical vapors and reduces their inhalation.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Simi Valley'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
- radon gas in water
- THMs in your shower water
- shower water quality in Anaheim, California
- shower water quality in Bakersfield, California
Is Simi Valley tap water safe to shower in?
While Simi Valley's tap water meets federal drinking water standards, it contains chloramines and is known for its hardness. These elements, though not acutely toxic, can negatively impact skin, hair, and respiratory health, especially for sensitive individuals or those with eczema.
How does hard water in Simi Valley affect my skin and hair?
Simi Valley's hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals prevent soap from lathering effectively and leave a residue on skin and hair, leading to dryness, dullness, frizz, and potentially exacerbating conditions like eczema.
Why does my shower water in Simi Valley sometimes smell like chlorine?
The 'chlorine' smell you detect is likely due to chloramines, a disinfectant used in Simi Valley's water supply. While effective for killing bacteria, chloramines can off-gas into the air during hot showers, leading to a noticeable odor and potential respiratory irritation.
Can a shower filter really help with Simi Valley's water quality issues?
Yes, a quality shower filter specifically designed to remove chloramines, heavy metals, and reduce hard water effects can make a significant difference. It can improve the feel of your skin and hair, reduce odors, and minimize inhalation of airborne contaminants during your shower.
I have eczema; what should I know about Simi Valley's shower water?
Eczema sufferers are particularly sensitive to hard water minerals and chloramines, which can strip natural oils and trigger flare-ups. Filtering your shower water to reduce these irritants, along with using gentle, moisturizing products, can help manage symptoms and improve skin comfort.
