What's in my shower water?

The water you use every day may seem clean, but it often carries contaminants that can have a lasting impact on your health. From chlorine that dries out your skin to heavy metals and industrial chemicals with long-term risks, what’s in your tap can affect your well-being in ways you might not expect. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at what’s in the tap water across the country as well as specific contaminants in the water of some of the U.S.’s largest cities.

Contaminants Across the U.S.

One of the most universal water treatments is the use of chlorine to kill bacteria and viruses. While effective, this technique does not come without consequences. Chlorine can form disinfection byproducts such as trihalomethanes (THMs): Chemical compounds created when chlorine reacts with organic material in the water. Prolonged exposure to THMs has been linked to liver, kidney, and central nervous system damage.

Heavy metals, such as lead and copper, can leach into water from aging plumbing. Lead is particularly concerning, as even low levels can impair brain development in children, contribute to high blood pressure, and increase the risk of kidney damage in adults. Copper, while an essential nutrient in small amounts, can irritate the digestive system and cause nausea or liver damage at higher concentrations.

Hard water, common in many regions, contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. While not harmful to drink, long-term exposure can lead to dry skin, scalp issues, and mineral buildup on appliances, potentially affecting their efficiency.

City-Specific Concerns

  1. New York City
    New York’s tap water comes from reservoirs and is relatively high quality, but older buildings often have lead pipes that can contaminate water. Long-term exposure to lead can damage neurological and cardiovascular systems. Chlorine disinfection also produces disinfection byproducts, which have potential carcinogenic effects.

  2. Los Angeles
    Los Angeles relies on imported water treated with chloramines, a mix of chlorine and ammonia. While less reactive than chlorine, chloramines can still contribute to dryness and are harder to filter out. Over time, chloramine-treated water may leach lead from pipes, increasing the risk of exposure to this toxic metal.

  3. Chicago
    Lake Michigan supplies Chicago’s water, which is treated with chlorine and fluoridated to prevent tooth decay. However, lead from older plumbing remains a serious concern, especially for children, as it can impair brain development. Chicago also faces challenges with microplastics—tiny plastic particles whose long-term health effects are still being studied but are suspected of contributing to inflammation and hormonal disruption.

  4. Houston
    Houston’s water, sourced from surface reservoirs and groundwater, is treated with chlorine but often contains volatile organic compounds (chemicals like benzene and toluene) from industrial runoff. Long-term exposure to these compounds has been linked to liver damage, respiratory issues, and an increased risk of cancer.

  5. Phoenix
    Phoenix has some of the hardest water in the country. While hard water isn’t a direct health hazard, the scale buildup it leaves behind can decrease the effectiveness of appliances and water heaters, indirectly increasing energy costs. The city also deals with agricultural runoff, which can introduce nitrates into the water. High nitrate levels are particularly dangerous for infants, as they can interfere with the blood’s ability to carry oxygen.

  6. Philadelphia
    Philadelphia’s water comes from rivers and is vulnerable to runoff from heavy rainstorms, which can introduce harmful bacteria and chemicals. Older infrastructure contributes to lead contamination, and prolonged exposure to disinfection byproducts could pose risks of liver or bladder cancer over time.

  7. San Antonio
    San Antonio uses chloramines to treat its water. While chloramines are less likely to create disinfection byproducts than chlorine, they are harder to remove with standard filters. Hard water in the region can also lead to calcium buildup, potentially affecting kidney health in individuals prone to kidney stones.

  8. Dallas
    Dallas’s water, sourced from nearby reservoirs, contains chlorine and fluoride but also struggles with runoff from agriculture, which introduces nitrates and pesticides. Pesticide exposure through water has been linked to hormonal imbalances and an increased risk of certain cancers. Disinfection byproducts are another concern, with long-term exposure potentially affecting kidney and liver health.

  9. Seattle
    Seattle’s water, sourced from the Cedar and Tolt Rivers, is naturally soft, meaning it has fewer minerals. However, chlorine used in disinfection can produce harmful byproducts. Copper from older pipes can leach into the water, leading to stomach irritation and potential liver damage with prolonged exposure.

  10. San Francisco
    San Francisco’s water, primarily sourced from the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, is naturally soft and treated with chloramine. While the city’s water is generally high quality, concerns remain about chloramine’s potential to leach lead from pipes and its links to respiratory irritation. Long-term exposure to disinfection byproducts is also a consideration.

Protecting Your Health

While the risks associated with tap water vary by city, there are steps you can take to protect your overall health. The Citrus Filtered Showerhead can reduce the presence of chlorine, chloramine, heavy metals, and other contaminants in the water and steam of your shower. Check out our other blog posts to learn more about the science behind our products.

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Resources for Further Reading

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC) – Water Quality and Your Health
    This resource offers an overview of how water quality impacts health, detailing common contaminants and associated risks.

  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Local Tap Water Information
    The EPA provides access to local municipal water reports, allowing consumers to understand the quality of their tap water and any potential contaminants.

  • Environmental Working Group (EWG) – Tap Water Database
    EWG's database allows users to search for water quality reports by zip code, offering insights into specific contaminants present in local water supplies.

  • U.S. Geological Survey ( USGS) – Tap Water Study Detects PFAS 'Forever Chemicals' Across the US
    This report discusses the prevalence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in U.S. tap water and their potential health implications.

  • National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences ( NIEHS) – Safe Water and Your Health
    This resource outlines potential drinking water contaminants and their reported health effects, ranging from subtle to severe.

  • WaterDefense – Best & Worst Tap Water in the US: State-by-State Analysis
    An analysis of water quality across U.S. states, highlighting areas with the best and worst tap water based on various metrics.

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