Is Winston-Salem, North Carolina Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Last updated: April 2026.
Is Winston-Salem, North Carolina Shower Water Safe?
Population: 252,268 · Water Source: Salem Lake, Yadkin River
For health-conscious residents of Winston-Salem, understanding what's in your shower water is crucial for well-being. While the city's tap water meets federal drinking standards, showering exposes you to contaminants differently, impacting skin, hair, and respiratory health. Knowing your water quality empowers you to make informed decisions for a safer, healthier home.
💧 Where Does Winston-Salem's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Salem Lake, Yadkin River
Winston-Salem's water system draws primarily from Salem Lake and the Yadkin River, treated at the Neal and Thomas G. Diggs Water Treatment Plants. These surface water sources undergo rigorous multi-stage treatment, including coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection, to ensure potability.
Treatment: Conventional filtration, coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, and chloramination for disinfection.
🔬 What's In Winston-Salem's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Winston-Salem'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) | 31.24 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (521x above) |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 47.22 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (315x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 30.02 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (300x above) |
| Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS) | 0.0000 ppt | 1e-05 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (247x above) |
| Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) | 0.0000 ppt | No federal limit | 0.0000 ppt | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (187x above) |
| Trichloroacetic acid | 11.90 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (119x above) |
| Bromodichloromethane | 6.94 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (116x above) |
| Chloroform | 39.89 ppb | No federal limit | 0.400 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (100x above) |
| Dichloroacetic acid | 17.57 ppb | No federal limit | 0.200 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (88x above) |
| Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) | 0.0000 ppt | 1e-05 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (29x 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: 31.30 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: 35.74 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: 21.83 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.
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.
Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)
The health guideline of 0.006 ppt for PFDA was defined by EWG as 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 protects against harm to the immune system and harm to fetal growth and child development.
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.
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: 8.56 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: 7.17 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.
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: 24.24 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: 11.92 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.
Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)
The health guideline of 0.006 ppt for perfluorononanoic acid 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 immune system and harm to fetal growth and child development.
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.
🧴 How Winston-Salem'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 Winston-Salem's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Dryness and irritation
- Exacerbation of eczema and psoriasis
- Acne breakouts
- Reduced lathering of soaps and shampoos
💇 Hair Effects
- Dullness and frizz
- Breakage and brittleness
- Color fading
- Scalp irritation and dryness
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Asthma and allergy flare-ups from steam inhalation
- Irritation of nasal passages and throat
- Potential long-term risks from inhaled disinfection byproducts
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Home's Water
A home water test kit can provide precise data on contaminants and hardness levels specific to your plumbing, offering a clear picture of your shower water quality.
Install a Quality Shower Filter
A good shower filter can significantly reduce chloramines, heavy metals, and some disinfection byproducts, improving skin and hair health.
Limit Shower Time and Temperature
Shorter, cooler showers reduce exposure to volatile contaminants in steam and prevent excessive stripping of natural skin oils.
Use Moisturizing Soaps and Conditioners
Opt for products designed for sensitive skin or hard water to help counteract the drying and damaging effects of your shower water.
Improve Bathroom Ventilation
Running an exhaust fan during and after showering helps dissipate steam and airborne contaminants, reducing inhalation exposure.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Winston-Salem's Water
The easiest way to remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants from your shower water.
Shop Afina Filtered Showerheads →🛒 Recommended Products for Winston-Salem 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
- chromium-6 in tap water
- fluoride effects on skin
- shower water quality in Durham, North Carolina
- shower water quality in Fayetteville, North Carolina
Is Winston-Salem tap water safe to shower in?
While Winston-Salem's tap water meets federal drinking water standards, showering can expose you to contaminants differently. Volatile chemicals like chloramines and disinfection byproducts can be inhaled in steam, and minerals can affect skin and hair health.
Why does my skin feel dry and itchy after showering in Winston-Salem?
This is often due to chloramines stripping natural oils from your skin, combined with the moderate hardness of Winston-Salem's water. Hard water minerals can leave a residue that irritates skin and prevents moisturizers from fully absorbing.
Can Winston-Salem's hard water damage my hair?
Yes, hard water can lead to mineral buildup on hair strands, making hair feel dull, brittle, and difficult to manage. It can also cause color-treated hair to fade faster and reduce the effectiveness of shampoos and conditioners.
What kind of shower filter is best for Winston-Salem water?
Look for shower filters that specifically target chloramines, as these are Winston-Salem's primary disinfectant. Filters using KDF media and activated carbon are generally effective for reducing chloramines, chlorine, and some heavy metals.
Are there local resources for Winston-Salem water quality reports?
Yes, the City of Winston-Salem's Public Works Department publishes annual Water Quality Reports (Consumer Confidence Reports) that detail contaminants found in the drinking water. These reports are available on the city's official website.
