Is Hollywood, Florida Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Last updated: April 2026.
Is Hollywood, Florida Shower Water Safe?
Population: 153,067 · Water Source: Biscayne Aquifer
Understanding what's in your shower water is crucial for your health and well-being, especially in Hollywood, Florida. While the city's tap water meets federal drinking standards, contaminants and mineral content can significantly impact skin, hair, and respiratory health. This report for 2026 aims to shed light on Hollywood's shower water quality, empowering residents to make informed choices.
💧 Where Does Hollywood's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Biscayne Aquifer
Hollywood's water primarily originates from the Biscayne Aquifer, a shallow, unconfined aquifer underlying South Florida. This natural underground reservoir is a vital source, but its proximity to the surface makes it susceptible to various surface contaminants. The water undergoes rigorous treatment at city facilities before distribution.
Treatment: Chloramination, Coagulation, Flocculation, Sedimentation, Filtration, Fluoridation
🔬 What's In Hollywood's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Hollywood'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 (3400x above) |
| Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) | 0.0000 ppt | 4e-06 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | 🚨 ABOVE EPA LIMIT (65x above) |
| Arsenic | 3.80 ppb | 10.0 ppb | 0.0040 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (950x above) |
| Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) | 0.0000 ppt | 4e-06 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | 🚨 ABOVE EPA LIMIT (58x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) | 15.39 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (257x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 17.67 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (177x above) |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 19.75 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (132x above) |
| 6:2 Fluorotelomer Sulfonic Acid (6:2 FTSA) | 0.0000 ppt | No federal limit | 0.0000 ppt | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (9x above) |
| Chromium (hexavalent) | 0.099 ppb | No federal limit | 0.020 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (5x above) |
| Radium, combined (-226 and -228) | 0.119 pCi/L | 5.0 pCi/L | 0.050 pCi/L | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (2x 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.
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.
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: 0.321 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: 25.74 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: 18.88 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: 30.71 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.
6:2 Fluorotelomer Sulfonic Acid (6:2 FTSA)
The health guideline of 1 ppt for 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (6:2 FTSA) was defined by as . This health guideline protects against applies to the entire class of PFAS detected in water.
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.
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: 0.107 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.
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: 0.537 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 Hollywood'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 Hollywood's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Dry, itchy skin due to chloramine and hard water residue
- Exacerbation of eczema and other skin sensitivities
- Dullness or lack of natural glow from mineral buildup
- Increased risk of irritation from disinfection byproducts
💇 Hair Effects
- Dry, brittle, and damaged hair strands
- Fading of hair color and chemical treatments
- Residue buildup, leading to limp or greasy-feeling hair
- Scalp irritation and flakiness
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Inhalation of chloramine and disinfection byproducts in steam
- Potential for respiratory irritation or asthma flare-ups
- Dryness of nasal passages and throat
- Increased sensitivity for individuals with respiratory conditions
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Water
Start by testing your home's water to identify specific contaminants and their levels. This personalized data helps you choose the most effective solutions for your shower.
Install a Quality Shower Filter
A shower filter specifically designed to remove chloramine, chlorine, heavy metals, and byproducts can significantly improve water quality. Look for filters certified to reduce the contaminants found in Hollywood's water.
Opt for Shorter, Cooler Showers
Reducing shower time and lowering water temperature minimizes exposure to volatile chemicals like chloramine and TTHMs, which vaporize more readily in hot, long showers.
Moisturize Immediately After Showering
Apply a good quality moisturizer to damp skin within minutes of showering to lock in moisture. This helps counteract the drying effects of hard water and chemical exposure.
Consider a Whole-House Water Filter
For comprehensive protection, a whole-house filtration system treats all water entering your home, ensuring clean water not just for showering, but for all household uses.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Hollywood's Water
The easiest way to remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants from your shower water.
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Related Reading
- psoriasis triggered by shower water
- trihalomethanes in treated water
- hexavalent chromium in water
- shower water quality in Coral Springs, Florida
- shower water quality in Gainesville, Florida
Is Hollywood tap water safe to shower in?
While Hollywood's tap water meets EPA drinking water standards, it contains chloramine, disinfection byproducts, and is known for its hardness. These elements, while generally safe for consumption at regulated levels, can cause skin, hair, and respiratory issues, especially during showering.
Why does my skin feel dry and itchy after showering in Hollywood?
The primary culprits are chloramine, which strips natural oils from your skin, and hard water minerals (calcium and magnesium). These minerals leave a film on your skin, preventing proper hydration and exacerbating dryness and itchiness, particularly for those with sensitive skin or eczema.
Does Hollywood's water cause hair damage or color fading?
Yes, the hard water minerals in Hollywood can cause hair to become dry, brittle, and dull by preventing shampoos from lathering effectively and leaving residue. Chloramine can also strip natural oils and fade chemically treated hair colors over time, leading to damage.
Can I smell chlorine in my Hollywood shower water?
Hollywood uses chloramine for disinfection, which can have a distinct chemical odor that some perceive as chlorine-like. This smell is more noticeable in hot showers as the chloramine becomes volatile and is released into the steam, affecting indoor air quality.
Are shower filters effective for Hollywood water?
Absolutely. High-quality shower filters are specifically designed to reduce chloramine, chlorine, heavy metals, and disinfection byproducts found in Hollywood's water. They can significantly improve your shower experience by reducing skin and hair issues and minimizing respiratory irritation.
