Is Chicago, Illinois Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Is Chicago, Illinois Shower Water Safe?
Population: 2,664,452 · Water Source: Lake Michigan
Understanding what's in your shower water is crucial for your health and well-being, especially in a vibrant city like Chicago. While Chicago's tap water meets federal safety standards for drinking, contaminants present can still impact your skin, hair, and respiratory health during showering. It's essential for health-conscious consumers to be informed about their daily water exposure.
💧 Where Does Chicago's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Lake Michigan
Chicago's water is sourced from Lake Michigan, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. It undergoes extensive treatment at facilities like the Jardine Water Purification Plant, which is one of the largest in the world, involving coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to ensure it meets drinking water standards before distribution.
Treatment: Coagulation, Sedimentation, Filtration, Chloramination (for disinfection)
🔬 What's In Chicago's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Chicago's water supply based on real testing data from the EWG Tap Water Database:
| Contaminant | Level Found | EPA Limit | EWG Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) | 19.14 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (319x above) |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 25.74 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (172x above) |
| Bromodichloromethane | 8.39 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (140x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 12.37 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (124x above) |
| Dibromochloromethane | 5.01 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (50x above) |
| Trichloroacetic acid | 4.97 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (50x above) |
| Dichloroacetic acid | 6.49 ppb | No federal limit | 0.200 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (32x above) |
| Chloroform | 12.31 ppb | No federal limit | 0.400 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (31x above) |
| Dibromoacetic acid | 0.896 ppb | No federal limit | 0.030 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (30x above) |
| Radium, combined (-226 and -228) | 0.890 pCi/L | 5.0 pCi/L | 0.050 pCi/L | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (18x above) |
Contaminant Details
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: 19.47 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.
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: 28.74 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: 7.74 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: 13.61 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: 4.25 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.
Trichloroacetic acid
The health guideline of 0.1 ppb for trichloroacetic 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: 4.92 ppb. National average: 6.57 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.
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: 7.18 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: 16.22 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.
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: 0.836 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.
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: 0.876 pCi/L. National average: 0.332 pCi/L.
Shower Impact: Radioactive contaminants can become aerosolized in shower steam and inhaled, adding to overall exposure.
🧴 How Chicago'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 Chicago's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Dry, itchy skin due to chloramine and hard water minerals stripping natural oils.
- Exacerbation of eczema and other skin sensitivities from disinfectants.
- Skin irritation and redness from chemical exposure.
- Residue buildup on skin, leading to dullness or clogged pores.
💇 Hair Effects
- Dry, brittle, and damaged hair from chlorine/chloramine exposure.
- Dullness and lack of shine due to mineral buildup from hard water.
- Color fading in treated hair caused by oxidizing disinfectants.
- Scalp irritation and flakiness.
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Inhalation of disinfection byproducts (HAA5, TTHM) vaporized in hot shower steam.
- Irritation of nasal passages and lungs from chloramine.
- Worsening of asthma or other respiratory conditions for sensitive individuals.
- General discomfort from strong chemical odors.
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Water Regularly
Understanding your home's specific water profile can reveal localized issues like lead from plumbing or fluctuating contaminant levels. Professional testing provides accurate data for informed decisions.
Install a High-Quality Shower Filter
A good shower filter can significantly reduce chlorine, chloramine, heavy metals, and other contaminants, leading to noticeable improvements in skin and hair health, and reducing inhalation risks.
Limit Shower Duration and Temperature
Shorter, cooler showers can minimize exposure to volatilized contaminants and reduce the drying effects of hot water on skin and hair.
Moisturize Immediately After Showering
Applying a rich moisturizer to damp skin helps lock in hydration and creates a protective barrier against environmental stressors, counteracting the drying effects of hard or chlorinated water.
Consider a Whole-House Water Filter
For comprehensive protection against a wider range of contaminants throughout your entire home, a whole-house filtration system offers the most thorough solution.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Chicago's Water
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Related Reading
- why your skin feels dry after showering
- chromium-6 in tap water
- nitrates in tap water
- shower water quality in Naperville, Illinois
- shower water quality in Rockford, Illinois
Is Chicago tap water safe to shower in?
Chicago's tap water meets EPA drinking water standards, making it generally safe for showering. However, disinfectants like chloramine and disinfection byproducts, along with hard water minerals, can still negatively impact skin, hair, and respiratory health for sensitive individuals during showering.
Why does my skin feel dry after showering in Chicago?
Chicago's water is moderately hard, meaning it contains higher levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals, combined with chloramine used for disinfection, can strip natural oils from your skin, leading to dryness, irritation, and a 'squeaky clean' feeling that is actually your skin's natural barrier being compromised.
Can I reduce the chlorine smell in my Chicago shower water?
Yes, the chlorine smell is primarily due to chloramine used as a disinfectant. Installing a shower filter specifically designed to remove chloramine can significantly reduce this odor, making your shower experience more pleasant and reducing potential respiratory irritation.
Are lead pipes in Chicago a concern for shower water?
While lead primarily poses a risk through ingestion, water passing through lead service lines or internal plumbing can pick up lead. Although absorption through the skin during showering is minimal, any lead exposure is a concern. Testing your home's water at the tap is recommended, and some shower filters can help reduce lead.
How often should I replace my shower filter in Chicago?
The replacement frequency for your shower filter depends on the specific filter model, its capacity, and your household's water usage. Generally, shower filters last between three to six months. Always refer to the manufacturer's recommendations for optimal performance and contaminant removal.
