Is Savannah, Georgia Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Last updated: April 2026.
Is Savannah, Georgia Shower Water Safe?
Population: 147,780 · Water Source: Floridan Aquifer, Savannah River
For health-conscious residents and parents in Savannah, Georgia, understanding what's in your shower water is crucial for well-being. While Savannah's drinking water meets federal standards, contaminants present can still impact skin, hair, and respiratory health, making it vital to be informed about your daily shower.
💧 Where Does Savannah's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Floridan Aquifer, Savannah River
Savannah primarily draws its drinking water from the Floridan Aquifer, a vast underground limestone formation, supplemented by surface water from the Savannah River. This blend is then treated at the city's water purification plants to meet safe drinking water standards before distribution.
Treatment: Chloramination, Filtration
🔬 What's In Savannah's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Savannah's water supply based on real testing data from the EWG Tap Water Database:
| Contaminant | Level Found | EPA Limit | EWG Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 17.51 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (117x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 11.42 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (114x above) |
| Arsenic | 0.300 ppb | 10.0 ppb | 0.0040 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (75x above) |
| Trichloroacetic acid | 6.36 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (64x above) |
| Bromodichloromethane | 3.08 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (51x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) | 2.70 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (45x above) |
| Chloroform | 10.56 ppb | No federal limit | 0.400 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (26x above) |
| Dichloroacetic acid | 4.92 ppb | No federal limit | 0.200 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (25x above) |
| Dibromochloromethane | 2.00 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (20x above) |
| Dibromoacetic acid | 0.147 ppb | No federal limit | 0.030 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (5x above) |
Contaminant Details
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: 32.88 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: 21.39 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.
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: 0.018 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.
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: 10.34 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.
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: 5.29 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 (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: 29.13 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.
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: 24.45 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.
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: 10.67 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.
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: 1.91 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: 0.099 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.
🧴 How Savannah'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 Savannah's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Dry, itchy skin
- Eczema flare-ups and irritation
- Dullness and residue buildup
- Accelerated skin aging due to chemical exposure
💇 Hair Effects
- Dry, brittle, and frizzy hair
- Hair color fading more quickly
- Scalp irritation and residue buildup
- Difficulty lathering shampoos effectively
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Irritation of nasal passages and throat
- Exacerbation of asthma and allergies
- Potential for long-term lung issues from inhaled chemicals
- Coughing or shortness of breath in sensitive individuals
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Shower Water
A home water test kit or professional analysis can provide precise data on contaminants specific to your home's plumbing and water supply.
Install a Quality Shower Filter
A good shower filter can significantly reduce chlorine, chloramines, heavy metals, and other impurities, improving water quality for skin and hair.
Use Gentle Skincare & Haircare Products
Opt for sulfate-free, paraben-free, and moisturizing products to counteract the drying effects of hard water and chemicals.
Limit Shower Time and Temperature
Shorter, cooler showers can reduce exposure to volatile chemicals like chloramines and TTHMs, and prevent excessive drying of skin.
Maintain Your Water Heater
Regularly flush your water heater to prevent sediment and mineral buildup, which can impact water quality and efficiency.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Savannah's Water
The easiest way to remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants from your shower water.
Shop Afina Filtered Showerheads →🛒 Recommended Products for Savannah 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
- why your skin feels dry after showering
- shower water making skin look dull
- why hair feels oily after showering
- arsenic in drinking water
- fluoride effects on skin
- shower water quality in Macon, Georgia
Is Savannah tap water safe to shower in?
While Savannah's tap water meets federal drinking water standards, showering can expose you to contaminants like chloramines and disinfection byproducts through skin absorption and steam inhalation. These can lead to skin irritation, hair damage, and respiratory discomfort for sensitive individuals.
What causes dry skin and hair issues in Savannah?
The moderate to high hardness of Savannah's water, due to minerals like calcium, combined with the presence of chloramines and other treatment chemicals, contributes significantly to dry skin and hair. These elements strip natural oils and leave behind residue.
Are shower filters effective for Savannah's water?
Yes, a high-quality shower filter can be very effective in Savannah. Look for filters designed to reduce chloramines, chlorine, heavy metals, and sediment to alleviate common issues like dry skin, hair damage, and chemical odors.
How does Savannah treat its drinking water?
Savannah employs a multi-stage treatment process for its water, including coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, and filtration. Disinfection is primarily achieved through chloramination, which uses a combination of chlorine and ammonia to maintain disinfection throughout the distribution system.
What is hard water, and does Savannah have it?
Hard water contains high levels of dissolved minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium. Savannah's water from the Floridan Aquifer is typically moderately hard, contributing to issues like soap scum, mineral buildup, and drying effects on skin and hair.
