Shower Water Contaminants Guide

What It Is

Chlorine and chloramine are disinfectants added by municipal water systems to kill bacteria and pathogens. While effective at treating water, these chemicals persist all the way to your shower.

Health Effects

• Skin: Strips natural oils, causes dryness, irritation, and eczema flare-ups
• Hair: Damages cuticle layer, causes dryness, brittleness, and color fading
• Respiratory: Inhalation of chlorine vapor can trigger asthma and respiratory irritation
• Long-term: Some studies link chlorinated shower exposure to increased bladder and breast cancer risk

Typical Levels in US Water

Chlorine: 1-4 ppm (parts per million)
Chloramine: 1-3 ppm

How to Detect

• Strong bleach or swimming pool smell
• Dry, itchy skin after showering
• Brittle, discolored hair
• Test strips available for $10-15

What It Is

Heavy metals leach into water from old pipes, industrial runoff, and natural geological sources. Common culprits include lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and chromium-6.

Health Effects

• Lead: Neurological damage, especially dangerous for children; absorbed through skin in hot water
• Mercury: Nervous system damage, kidney problems
• Arsenic: Skin lesions, increased cancer risk
• General: Weakened immune system, organ damage with long-term exposure

Typical Levels in US Water

Varies greatly by location and pipe age. Homes built before 1986 have higher lead risk. Industrial areas show elevated arsenic and mercury.

How to Detect

• Water test kit (available at hardware stores or online)
• Professional water analysis: $50-150
• Check EPA's water quality report for your area
• Metallic taste or smell (though many heavy metals are odorless)

What It Is

Hard water contains high concentrations of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. While not toxic, these minerals cause numerous cosmetic and functional problems.

Health & Cosmetic Effects

• Skin: Mineral residue clogs pores, causes dryness and irritation
• Hair: Buildup makes hair dull, tangled, and difficult to manage
• Soap: Reduces lather, requires more product, leaves soap scum
• Fixtures: White scale buildup on shower heads and doors

Hard Water Scale

• Soft: 0-60 mg/L (ideal)
• Moderately Hard: 61-120 mg/L
• Hard: 121-180 mg/L
• Very Hard: 180+ mg/L (85% of US homes)

How to Detect

• White chalky deposits on shower head and fixtures
• Soap doesn't lather well
• Dry skin and dull hair
• Hard water test strips: $5-10

What It Is

VOCs are industrial chemicals and pesticides that evaporate easily. Common examples include benzene, toluene, formaldehyde, and trihalomethanes (THMs) formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter.

Health Effects

• Respiratory: Inhalation during hot showers concentrates exposure
• Skin: Irritation and allergic reactions
• Long-term: Some VOCs linked to liver, kidney damage, and cancer
• THMs: Particularly concerning in chlorinated water systems

Typical Sources

• Industrial runoff and agricultural pesticides
• Byproducts of chlorine disinfection
• Leaching from plastic pipes
• Gasoline and solvent contamination

How to Detect

• Chemical or fuel-like odors
• Professional water testing required for accurate measurement
• Check local EPA water quality reports

What It Is

Bacteria, algae, mold, and other microorganisms can exist in water systems. Municipal water is chlorinated to eliminate most pathogens, but they can recontaminate in pipes. Well water poses higher risk.

Health Effects

• Skin infections: Especially with compromised skin barrier
• Respiratory issues: Inhaling contaminated shower steam
• Immune response: Generally low risk for healthy individuals
• High-risk groups: Elderly, immunocompromised, young children

Common Types

• E. coli: Indicates fecal contamination
• Legionella: Grows in water heaters, causes pneumonia
• Pseudomonas: Causes skin and ear infections
• Coliform bacteria: Indicator of general contamination

How to Detect

• Bacterial test kits for well water
• Musty or earthy smell
• Slimy biofilm in pipes or shower head
• Professional lab testing recommended for well water

What It Is

Physical particles including rust from pipes, sand, silt, and other suspended solids. More common in older homes and well water systems.

Effects

• Cosmetic: Orange or brown water staining
• Hair & skin: Discoloration, metallic smell
• Equipment: Clogs shower heads and reduces pressure
• Health: Generally not harmful but unpleasant

How to Detect

• Visible particles in water
• Brown or orange water, especially when first turned on
• Gritty feeling when washing
• Sediment buildup in shower head