Is Clarksville, Tennessee Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Is Clarksville, Tennessee Shower Water Safe?
Population: 168,000 · Water Source: Cumberland River
Clarksville, Tennessee, residents deserve to know what's in their shower water. While the city's tap water meets federal safety standards for drinking, the unique conditions of showering can expose you to contaminants that impact your skin, hair, and respiratory health, making it crucial to understand your water quality.
💧 Where Does Clarksville's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Cumberland River
Clarksville's drinking water primarily originates from the Cumberland River, a significant waterway in the region. The city's water utility draws water from this source, which then undergoes a multi-stage treatment process to ensure it's safe for consumption and use. This process involves coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection.
Treatment: Coagulation, Sedimentation, Filtration, and Chloramination
🔬 What's In Clarksville's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Clarksville'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) | 47.14 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (786x above) |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 60.34 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (402x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 38.69 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (387x above) |
| Trichloroacetic acid | 19.75 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (197x above) |
| Chloroform | 52.10 ppb | No federal limit | 0.400 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (130x above) |
| Bromodichloromethane | 7.56 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (126x above) |
| Dichloroacetic acid | 17.04 ppb | No federal limit | 0.200 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (85x above) |
| Radium, combined (-226 and -228) | 0.755 pCi/L | 5.0 pCi/L | 0.050 pCi/L | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (15x above) |
| Dibromochloromethane | 0.680 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (7x above) |
| Chromium (hexavalent) | 0.116 ppb | No federal limit | 0.020 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (6x 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: 28.44 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: 30.36 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.
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: 21.53 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.
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: 10.46 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.
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: 17.68 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.
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: 3.91 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.
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: 9.66 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.
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: 0.493 pCi/L. National average: 0.332 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: 0.768 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.
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: 0.102 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.
🧴 How Clarksville'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 Clarksville's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Increased dryness and flakiness due to chloramine and hard water minerals stripping natural oils.
- Exacerbation of eczema, psoriasis, and other sensitive skin conditions from chemical irritants and mineral residue.
- Soap scum residue buildup, leading to clogged pores and a dull complexion.
- Potential for premature skin aging from oxidative stress caused by chlorine/chloramine.
💇 Hair Effects
- Dry, brittle, and frizzy hair texture from mineral buildup and chemical damage.
- Fading of hair color and dullness due to interaction with chloramine and heavy metals.
- Difficulty lathering shampoo and conditioner, leading to increased product use and residue.
- Scalp irritation and itchiness from chemical exposure and mineral deposits.
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Inhalation of vaporized chloramine and disinfection byproducts (HAA5, TTHMs) in shower steam.
- Potential for respiratory irritation, coughing, and sinus dryness, especially for those with asthma or allergies.
- Long-term exposure to inhaled disinfection byproducts linked to increased risk of respiratory issues.
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Shower Water
A home water test kit can provide specific data on contaminants present in your Clarksville shower water, allowing you to address precise concerns.
Install a Quality Shower Filter
A shower filter specifically designed to remove chloramine, heavy metals, and disinfection byproducts can significantly improve water quality for showering, reducing skin and hair issues.
Limit Shower Time and Temperature
Shorter, cooler showers reduce exposure to volatilized chemicals and prevent excessive stripping of natural skin and hair oils.
Moisturize Immediately After Showering
Applying a good moisturizer or hair conditioner within minutes of showering helps lock in moisture and counteract the drying effects of hard or chlorinated water.
Improve Bathroom Ventilation
Running an exhaust fan or opening a window during and after showering helps dissipate chemical vapors, reducing inhalation exposure.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Clarksville'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 Memphis, Tennessee
- shower water quality in Nashville, Tennessee
Is Clarksville tap water safe to shower in?
Clarksville's tap water meets federal drinking water standards, making it generally safe for showering. However, the presence of chloramine, disinfection byproducts, and water hardness can lead to issues like dry skin, hair damage, and potential respiratory irritation for sensitive individuals or with prolonged exposure.
Why does my skin feel dry and itchy after showering in Clarksville?
The chloramine used for disinfection in Clarksville's water can strip natural oils from your skin, leading to dryness. Additionally, the moderate water hardness contributes to soap scum residue, which can irritate skin and clog pores, exacerbating conditions like eczema.
Will a shower filter help with Clarksville's hard water?
While many shower filters are excellent at removing chlorine/chloramine and some heavy metals, most do not significantly reduce water hardness (calcium and magnesium minerals). For true hardness reduction, a whole-house water softener is typically required, though some specialized shower filters may offer minor improvements.
Are there any local concerns specific to Clarksville's water quality?
Beyond general concerns like chloramine and disinfection byproducts common in treated river water, Clarksville's water can have moderate hardness due to its Cumberland River source. Residents with older homes might also consider testing for lead due to potential lead service lines or plumbing.
How often should I clean my shower head in Clarksville?
Due to Clarksville's moderately hard water, mineral buildup (limescale) can occur on showerheads. Cleaning your shower head monthly with a descaling solution or vinegar can help maintain water pressure and prevent the accumulation of mineral deposits.
