Is Austin, Texas Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Is Austin, Texas Shower Water Safe?
Population: 979,882 · Water Source: Colorado River (Lake Travis, Lake Austin)
For residents of Austin, Texas, understanding what's in your shower water is crucial for maintaining optimal skin and hair health. While Austin's drinking water consistently meets federal safety standards, the unique composition of local water can still impact your daily shower experience, potentially leading to issues like dryness, irritation, and dull hair.
💧 Where Does Austin's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Colorado River (Lake Travis, Lake Austin)
Austin's primary water source is the Colorado River, specifically drawing from Lake Travis and Lake Austin. These surface water sources undergo extensive treatment at three water treatment plants before distribution. The city's water system serves nearly a million residents, with regular testing ensuring compliance with drinking water regulations.
Treatment: Conventional treatment (coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration), followed by chloramination for disinfection.
🔬 What's In Austin's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Austin's water supply based on real testing data from the EWG Tap Water Database:
| Contaminant | Level Found | EPA Limit | EWG Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS) | 0.0000 ppt | 1e-05 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (2333x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) | 28.25 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (471x above) |
| Bromochloroacetic acid | 4.18 ppb | No federal limit | 0.020 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (209x above) |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 31.35 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (209x above) |
| Bromodichloromethane | 10.09 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (168x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 10.43 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (104x above) |
| Dibromochloromethane | 10.16 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (102x above) |
| Dibromoacetic acid | 2.83 ppb | No federal limit | 0.030 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (94x above) |
| Dichloroacetic acid | 6.01 ppb | No federal limit | 0.200 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (30x above) |
| Chloroform | 8.67 ppb | No federal limit | 0.400 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (22x above) |
Contaminant Details
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: 23.90 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.
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: 3.82 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.
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: 25.58 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.
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: 6.50 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 (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: 12.54 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.
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: 5.95 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.
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: 2.64 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.
Dichloroacetic acid
The health guideline of 0.2 ppb for dichloroacetic acid 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: 6.77 ppb. National average: 8.00 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: 7.52 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.
🧴 How Austin'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 Austin's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Dry, itchy skin
- Eczema flare-ups and irritation
- Soap scum residue
- Premature aging due to oxidative stress
💇 Hair Effects
- Dry, brittle, and frizzy hair
- Dullness and lack of shine
- Hair color fading rapidly
- Product buildup and greasy feel despite washing
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Irritation of nasal passages and throat from chloramine steam
- Exacerbation of asthma and allergy symptoms
- Dry cough during or after showering
- General respiratory discomfort for sensitive individuals
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Shower Water
A home water test kit can provide specific data on contaminants and hardness levels in your Austin residence, guiding your mitigation efforts.
Install a Quality Shower Filter
Shower filters effectively reduce chloramines, disinfection byproducts, and some heavy metals, significantly improving water quality for skin and hair.
Optimize Shower Temperature and Duration
Shorter, cooler showers minimize the release and inhalation of volatile chemicals like chloramines and TTHMs, and reduce skin dryness.
Moisturize Immediately After Showering
Applying moisturizer to damp skin within minutes of exiting the shower helps lock in hydration and counteracts drying effects of hard or chlorinated water.
Consider a Whole-House Water Filter or Softener
For comprehensive protection against contaminants and hard water throughout your home, a whole-house system offers the most thorough solution.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Austin's Water
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Related Reading
- why your skin feels dry after showering
- chromium-6 in tap water
- fluoride effects on skin
- shower water quality in San Antonio, Texas
- shower water quality in Amarillo, Texas
Is Austin tap water safe to shower in?
While Austin's tap water meets all EPA drinking water standards, it contains chloramines and hard minerals that can affect sensitive individuals. For many, showering in Austin water is generally safe, but those with skin conditions or sensitivities may experience adverse effects.
Does Austin water cause dry skin or hair?
Yes, Austin's water is moderately to very hard, and it's disinfected with chloramines. These factors can strip natural oils from skin and hair, leading to dryness, irritation, dullness, and exacerbating conditions like eczema.
What kind of shower filter is best for Austin water?
Look for shower filters specifically designed to reduce chloramines, as these are Austin's primary disinfectant. Filters containing KDF (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion) media and activated carbon are generally effective for removing chloramines, chlorine, and some heavy metals.
Is the chlorine smell in my Austin shower water harmful?
The 'chlorine' smell in Austin water is actually due to chloramines, which are released into the air as steam during hot showers. While low levels are not acutely harmful, prolonged inhalation can irritate respiratory passages, and absorption through the skin can contribute to dryness.
How does hard water affect my shower experience?
Hard water in Austin reduces the effectiveness of soaps and shampoos, making it harder to lather and rinse. It leaves behind mineral residue on your skin and hair, contributing to dryness, dullness, and a feeling of 'not quite clean', as well as scale buildup on fixtures.
