Is Colorado Springs, Colorado Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Is Colorado Springs, Colorado Shower Water Safe?
Population: 490,691 · Water Source: Blue River, Homestake Creek, Fryingpan River, Groundwater
Understanding what's in your shower water is crucial for health-conscious consumers in Colorado Springs, especially as we look to 2026. While the city's tap water meets regulatory standards for drinking, the unique blend of contaminants, particularly chloramines and hardness minerals, can significantly impact your skin, hair, and respiratory health during daily showers. Taking proactive steps to know your water's profile can help mitigate these potential issues.
💧 Where Does Colorado Springs's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Blue River, Homestake Creek, Fryingpan River, Groundwater
Colorado Springs draws its water from a diverse portfolio, primarily trans-mountain diversions from the Blue River, Homestake Creek, and Fryingpan River basins, supplemented by local surface water and groundwater sources. This water undergoes conventional treatment processes at multiple facilities, including coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to ensure it meets safe drinking water standards. The blend of sources can contribute to varying mineral content and the presence of certain naturally occurring compounds.
Treatment: Chloramination (chlorine + ammonia), filtration, coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation
🔬 What's In Colorado Springs's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Colorado Springs's water supply based on real testing data from the EWG Tap Water Database:
| Contaminant | Level Found | EPA Limit | EWG Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) | 0.0002 ppt | 4e-06 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | 🚨 ABOVE EPA LIMIT (820x above) |
| Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS) | 0.0002 ppt | 1e-05 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | 🚨 ABOVE EPA LIMIT (155500x above) |
| Arsenic | 5.00 ppb | 10.0 ppb | 0.0040 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (1250x above) |
| Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) | 0.0000 ppt | 4e-06 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | 🚨 ABOVE EPA LIMIT (316x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) | 42.90 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (715x above) |
| Radium, combined (-226 and -228) | 5.76 pCi/L | 5.0 pCi/L | 0.050 pCi/L | 🚨 ABOVE EPA LIMIT (115x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 40.60 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (406x above) |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 56.52 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (377x above) |
| Dibromoacetic acid | 9.00 ppb | No federal limit | 0.030 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (300x above) |
| Trichloroacetic acid | 21.67 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (217x above) |
Contaminant Details
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)
The health guideline of 0.3 ppt for PFOS 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 cardiovascular harm and harm to fetal growth.
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.
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.
Arsenic
The health guideline of 0.004 ppb for arsenic 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: 0.246 ppb. National average: 0.624 ppb.
Shower Impact: Arsenic in shower water can be absorbed through the skin. Long hot showers increase exposure time and absorption.
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
The health guideline of 0.09 ppt for PFOA was defined by 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 Harm to the immune system; harm to fetal growth and child development; increased cholesterol.
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: 22.55 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.
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: 0.901 pCi/L. National average: 0.332 pCi/L.
Shower Impact: Radioactive contaminants can become aerosolized in shower steam and inhaled, adding to overall exposure.
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: 17.15 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.
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: 28.86 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.
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: 0.864 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.
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: 7.29 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.
🧴 How Colorado Springs'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 Colorado Springs's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Dry, itchy skin due to chloramine and hard water minerals stripping natural oils.
- Eczema flare-ups and increased irritation for sensitive skin.
- Soap scum residue, clogging pores and potentially leading to breakouts.
- Premature aging and dullness from chemical exposure and mineral buildup.
💇 Hair Effects
- Dry, brittle, and frizzy hair due to mineral deposits and chloramine.
- Fading of color-treated hair and an unpleasant texture.
- Reduced lathering of shampoos, requiring more product for effective cleaning.
- Scalp irritation and buildup from hard water minerals.
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Irritation of nasal passages, throat, and lungs from inhaled chloramine and TTHMs in steam.
- Exacerbation of asthma and allergy symptoms due to chemical exposure.
- Potential for long-term respiratory issues from chronic inhalation of disinfection byproducts.
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Water
Understanding the specific contaminants and hardness levels in your home's water is the first step. Home testing kits or professional analysis can provide accurate data.
Install a Quality Shower Filter
A high-quality shower filter can effectively reduce chloramines, disinfection byproducts, and heavy metals, leading to noticeable improvements in skin and hair health.
Reduce Shower Time and Temperature
Shorter, cooler showers minimize exposure to volatile chemicals like chloramines and TTHMs, reducing inhalation and skin absorption.
Moisturize Immediately After Showering
Applying a good moisturizer to damp skin within minutes of showering helps lock in hydration and counteracts the drying effects of hard water and chloramines.
Consider a Whole-House Filter (Long-term)
For comprehensive protection against various contaminants throughout your home, a whole-house filtration system offers a more complete solution beyond just the shower.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Colorado Springs's Water
The easiest way to remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants from your shower water.
Shop Afina Filtered Showerheads →🛒 Recommended Products for Colorado Springs Residents
Afina Filtered Showerhead
15-stage filtered showerhead that removes chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants while providing great water pressure.
✨ All-in-one solution — filters water and gives you a premium shower experience
Shop Now →Afina Shower Filter
Universal shower filter that attaches to any existing showerhead. Removes chlorine, chloramine, and sediment.
✨ Keep your current showerhead and add powerful filtration
Shop Now →Afina Replacement Filter
Replacement filter cartridge for Afina shower filters. Lasts up to 6 months or 10,000 gallons.
✨ Easy replacement every 2-3 months to maintain peak filtration
Shop Now →❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Related Reading
- psoriasis triggered by shower water
- haloacetic acids in shower water
- nitrates in tap water
- shower water quality in Fort Collins, Colorado
- shower water quality in Lakewood, Colorado
Is Colorado Springs tap water safe to shower in?
While Colorado Springs's tap water meets all EPA drinking water standards, concerns for showering relate to aesthetic issues and potential long-term health effects from contaminants like chloramines and hard water minerals. These can lead to dry skin, damaged hair, and respiratory irritation, especially for sensitive individuals.
Why does my skin feel dry and itchy after showering in Colorado Springs?
The primary culprits are chloramines, used for disinfection, and the moderate to high hardness of Colorado Springs water. Chloramines can strip natural oils from your skin, while hardness minerals leave a residue that can clog pores and exacerbate dryness and irritation, particularly for those with eczema.
Does Colorado Springs water damage hair color or texture?
Yes, the hard water minerals (calcium and magnesium) in Colorado Springs water can build up on hair, making it feel dull, brittle, and difficult to style. Chloramines can also contribute to color fading and overall hair damage, especially for chemically treated hair.
Are shower filters effective for Colorado Springs water?
Yes, shower filters can be highly effective. Look for filters specifically designed to reduce chloramines, heavy metals, and disinfection byproducts. While they won't remove hardness minerals, they can significantly improve your showering experience by addressing the chemical irritants.
What are the concerns about PFAS in Colorado Springs water?
While Colorado Springs Utilities actively monitors and treats for PFAS, and levels are generally very low or non-detect in treated water, historic contamination from nearby military bases makes it a local concern. Though primarily an ingestion risk, trace amounts can still be absorbed through skin and inhalation during showering.
