Boston Water Quality: What's Really in Your Shower Water (MA 2026 Report)
Khat C
Last updated: March 2026
If you live in Boston, MA, your tap water contains 23 detected contaminants. Every time you shower, your skin and hair absorb these chemicals. Here's what's in your water.
What's in Boston's Water? 23 Contaminants Detected
Water systems serving Boston, MA have detected 23 contaminants across 1 water system.
Contaminants Exceeding Health Guidelines
| Contaminant | Detected | Health Guideline | Over Limit | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) | 0.0168 ppb | 0.0001 ppb | 281x | Under review |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 0.0147 ppb | 0.0001 ppb | 147x | cancer |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 0.0172 ppb | 0.0001 ppb | 115x | cancer |
| Dichloroacetic acid | 0.0110 ppb | 0.0002 ppb | 55x | cancer |
| Bromodichloromethane | 0.0032 ppb | 0.0001 ppb | 54x | cancer |
| Chloroform | 0.0131 ppb | 0.0004 ppb | 33x | cancer |
| Trichloroacetic acid | 0.0020 ppb | 0.0001 ppb | 20x | cancer |
| Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) | 0.0000 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | 9x | cancer |
How Boston's Water Affects Your Skin and Hair
- Dry, itchy skin: Chlorine strips natural oils β learn more
- Hair damage: Hard water minerals cause breakage and thinning
- Acne: Chemical residues clog pores and trigger breakouts
How to Protect Yourself
The Afina Filtered Showerhead ($99) uses multi-stage filtration to remove chlorine, heavy metals, and VOCs. Or add the Afina Shower Filter ($47) to your existing shower head β installs in under 5 minutes.
πΏ Protect Your Skin and Hair from Boston's Water
Shop Filtered Showerhead β $99 Shop Shower Filter β $47
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FAQ
Is Boston tap water safe to shower in?
Boston's water meets legal standards, but 8 contaminants exceed EWG health guidelines. A shower filter adds protection.
What contaminants are in Boston's water?
23 contaminants detected, including Haloacetic acids (HAA9), Haloacetic acids (HAA5), Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs).
How often should I replace my shower filter?
Every 3-4 months or 10,000 gallons.