Is Springfield, Missouri Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Last updated: April 2026.
Is Springfield, Missouri Shower Water Safe?
Population: 169,176 · Water Source: Fellows Lake, McDaniel Lake, Groundwater
Understanding the quality of your shower water in Springfield, Missouri, is crucial for your family's health and well-being. While City Utilities works to provide safe drinking water, what comes out of your showerhead can still contain elements that impact your skin, hair, and respiratory health, making it vital to know what's in your water.
💧 Where Does Springfield's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Fellows Lake, McDaniel Lake, Groundwater
Springfield's water supply primarily comes from surface water sources, Fellows Lake and McDaniel Lake, supplemented by groundwater wells. This blend of sources is treated at the Blackman Water Treatment Plant, undergoing a rigorous process to meet federal and state drinking water standards before distribution.
Treatment: Coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, chloramination (disinfection), and fluoridation
🔬 What's In Springfield's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Springfield'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) | 30.55 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (509x above) |
| Arsenic | 1.00 ppb | 10.0 ppb | 0.0040 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (250x above) |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 37.07 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (247x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 18.58 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (186x above) |
| Bromodichloromethane | 9.41 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (157x above) |
| Trichloroacetic acid | 6.97 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (70x above) |
| Chloroform | 21.99 ppb | No federal limit | 0.400 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (55x above) |
| Dichloroacetic acid | 10.34 ppb | No federal limit | 0.200 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (52x above) |
| Dibromoacetic acid | 1.35 ppb | No federal limit | 0.030 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (45x above) |
| Dibromochloromethane | 4.01 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (40x 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: 19.31 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.
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: 0.228 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.
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: 20.66 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: 14.07 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.
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: 3.51 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.
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: 2.66 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: 13.70 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: 10.55 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.
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: 0.565 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.
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: 1.56 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.
🧴 How Springfield'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 Springfield's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Dry, itchy skin and scalp
- Exacerbation of eczema and dermatitis
- Reduced lathering of soaps, leading to residue
- Potential for skin irritation from disinfectants and DBPs
💇 Hair Effects
- Dull, brittle, and frizzy hair
- Hair color fading more quickly
- Hard water buildup and residue on hair strands
- Increased hair breakage and difficulty styling
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Inhalation of volatile disinfection byproducts (TTHMs, HAA5)
- Potential respiratory irritation from chloramine vapor
- Asthma or allergy symptom exacerbation from inhaled chemicals
- Dryness of nasal passages and throat
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Water
A home water test kit or professional analysis can provide specific data on contaminants in your household's water, identifying precise concerns.
Install a Quality Shower Filter
Shower filters are designed to reduce chlorine, chloramines, and other contaminants, significantly improving water quality for skin and hair.
Limit Shower Time and Temperature
Shorter, cooler showers reduce exposure to volatile chemicals in steam and minimize skin's natural oil stripping.
Use Moisturizing Products
Incorporate hydrating lotions, conditioners, and soaps designed for sensitive skin to counteract the drying effects of hard or treated water.
Clean Showerheads Regularly
Remove mineral buildup from your showerhead to maintain water pressure and prevent potential bacterial growth.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Springfield's Water
The easiest way to remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants from your shower water.
Shop Afina Filtered Showerheads →🛒 Recommended Products for Springfield 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
- hexavalent chromium in water
- shower water quality in St. Louis, Missouri
Is Springfield tap water safe to shower in?
While Springfield's tap water meets federal safety standards for drinking, showering can expose you to volatile chemicals like chloramines and disinfection byproducts through inhalation and skin absorption, which may cause skin, hair, and respiratory issues for sensitive individuals.
Why does my skin feel dry after showering in Springfield?
Springfield's water contains chloramines, which can strip natural oils, and is moderately hard, leaving mineral residue on your skin. Both factors contribute to dryness, itchiness, and can worsen conditions like eczema.
Does Springfield water cause hair damage?
Yes, the hardness minerals in Springfield water can lead to dull, brittle hair, while chloramines can strip natural oils and fade color. This combination can make hair more prone to damage and difficult to manage.
Are shower filters effective for Springfield's water?
Yes, a good quality shower filter can be very effective at reducing chloramines, heavy metals, and some disinfection byproducts present in Springfield's water, leading to noticeable improvements in skin and hair health.
What are disinfection byproducts and why are they in my shower water?
Disinfection byproducts (DBPs) like TTHMs and HAA5 form when disinfectants like chloramines react with natural organic matter in the water. They are a concern in showers because hot water causes them to volatilize, allowing them to be inhaled and absorbed through the skin.
