Is Annapolis, Maryland Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Is Annapolis, Maryland Shower Water Safe?
Population: 40,812 · Water Source: Groundwater Wells (Patapsco and Magothy Aquifers)
Understanding what's in your shower water in Annapolis, Maryland, is crucial for your health and well-being. While Annapolis's drinking water meets federal safety standards, specific contaminants can still impact your skin, hair, and respiratory health, making it essential for residents to be informed about their water quality in 2026.
💧 Where Does Annapolis's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Groundwater Wells (Patapsco and Magothy Aquifers)
Annapolis primarily sources its drinking water from a network of groundwater wells tapping into the Patapsco and Magothy aquifers. This groundwater is naturally filtered through layers of earth, but can pick up minerals and other naturally occurring substances along the way. The city operates several water treatment plants to ensure the water is safe for consumption and use.
Treatment: Chlorination for disinfection, pH adjustment, and corrosion control.
🔬 What's In Annapolis's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Annapolis's water supply based on real testing data from the EWG Tap Water Database:
| Contaminant | Level Found | EPA Limit | EWG Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 12.83 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (86x above) |
| Radium, combined (-226 and -228) | 2.31 pCi/L | 5.0 pCi/L | 0.050 pCi/L | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (46x above) |
| Bromodichloromethane | 1.22 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (20x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) | 0.992 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (17x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 1.53 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (15x above) |
| Uranium | 3.44 pCi/L | 20.0 pCi/L | 0.430 pCi/L | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (8x above) |
| Dibromochloromethane | 0.670 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (7x above) |
| Chloroform | 2.56 ppb | No federal limit | 0.400 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (6x above) |
| Chromium (hexavalent) | 0.125 ppb | No federal limit | 0.020 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (6x above) |
| Chlorate | 372.5 ppb | No federal limit | 210.00 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (1.8x above) |
Contaminant Details
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: 43.37 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.
Radium, combined (-226 and -228)
The health guideline of for radium, combined (-226 and -228) was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as . This health guideline protects against cancer.
Comparison: State average: 0.369 pCi/L. National average: 0.332 pCi/L.
Shower Impact: Radioactive contaminants can become aerosolized in shower steam and inhaled, adding to overall exposure.
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: 6.01 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.
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: 40.70 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: 27.86 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.
Uranium
The health guideline of for uranium 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. Three most common uranium isotopes are U-234, U-235 and U-238. All isotopes of uranium are radioactive, and the total radioactivity depends on the ratio of isotopes. This health guideline protects against cancer.
Comparison: State average: 1.27 pCi/L. National average: 1.03 pCi/L.
Shower Impact: Radioactive contaminants can become aerosolized in shower steam and inhaled, adding to overall exposure.
Dibromochloromethane
The health guideline of 0.1 ppb for dibromochloromethane 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: 1.55 ppb. National average: 3.55 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.
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: 15.87 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.
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: 0.093 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.
Chlorate
The health guideline of 210 ppb for chlorate was defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as a benchmark for testing under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule program. This health guideline protects against hormone disruption.
Comparison: State average: 55.22 ppb. National average: 116.8 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.
🧴 How Annapolis'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 Annapolis's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Dry, itchy skin and irritation, especially for eczema sufferers.
- Exacerbation of skin conditions due to chlorine and hard water.
- Dullness and residue left on the skin.
- Premature aging due to oxidative stress from chlorine.
💇 Hair Effects
- Dry, brittle, and frizzy hair.
- Fading of hair color and chemical treatments.
- Mineral buildup, leading to dullness and limpness.
- Increased hair breakage and damage over time.
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Irritation of nasal passages and throat from chlorine vapors.
- Exacerbation of asthma and allergies due to inhaled contaminants.
- Potential long-term respiratory issues from disinfection byproducts in steam.
- General discomfort and difficulty breathing for sensitive individuals.
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Water Annually
Regularly testing your home's water provides specific data on contaminants present, allowing you to choose the most effective solutions for your household.
Install a Quality Shower Filter
A good shower filter can significantly reduce chlorine, chloramine, heavy metals, and some disinfection byproducts, improving skin and hair health and reducing inhalation risks.
Consider a Whole-House Water Filter
For comprehensive protection against a wider range of contaminants throughout your home, a whole-house system treats all water entering your residence.
Improve Bathroom Ventilation
Using an exhaust fan or opening a window during and after showering helps reduce the concentration of chemical vapors and steam in the air, minimizing inhalation exposure.
Moisturize Immediately After Showering
Applying a high-quality moisturizer to damp skin locks in hydration, counteracting the drying effects of hard water and chlorine.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Annapolis's Water
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Related Reading
- why your skin feels dry after showering
- shower water making skin look dull
- why hair feels oily after showering
- chromium-6 in tap water
- fluoride effects on skin
Is Annapolis tap water safe to shower in?
While Annapolis tap water meets federal drinking water standards, showering introduces unique exposure pathways. Contaminants like chlorine and disinfection byproducts can be absorbed through the skin and inhaled in steam, potentially causing skin, hair, and respiratory issues, even if the water is considered safe to drink.
Why does my skin feel dry and itchy after showering in Annapolis?
Annapolis's water contains chlorine for disinfection and is moderately hard. Chlorine strips natural oils from your skin, while hard water minerals leave a residue that can clog pores and exacerbate dryness and itchiness, especially for those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema.
Can shower water affect my hair color and texture in Annapolis?
Yes, both chlorine and hard water in Annapolis can negatively impact your hair. Chlorine can strip hair color and natural oils, leading to dryness and frizz, while hard water minerals accumulate on hair strands, causing dullness, tangles, and making it harder for products to penetrate effectively.
What's the benefit of a shower filter for Annapolis residents?
A shower filter can significantly improve your showering experience by reducing chlorine, heavy metals, and certain disinfection byproducts. This helps prevent dry skin, damaged hair, and respiratory irritation from chemical vapors, making your shower water gentler and safer for daily use.
Are there specific concerns for children showering in Annapolis water?
Children's skin is more permeable, making them potentially more susceptible to contaminants like chlorine and disinfection byproducts. Prolonged exposure to these substances in shower steam can contribute to skin sensitivities and respiratory issues, making filtered shower water a beneficial consideration for families.
