Is Birmingham, Alabama Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Is Birmingham, Alabama Shower Water Safe?
Population: 196,644 · Water Source: Inland Lake, Purdy Creek, Lake Purdy
For residents of Birmingham, Alabama, understanding what's in your shower water is crucial for your health and well-being. While the city's tap water meets regulatory standards for drinking, the chemicals and minerals present can significantly impact your skin, hair, and respiratory health, especially for sensitive individuals.
💧 Where Does Birmingham's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Inland Lake, Purdy Creek, Lake Purdy
Birmingham's water supply primarily originates from surface water sources including Inland Lake, Purdy Creek, and Lake Purdy. These sources are managed by the Birmingham Water Works Board (BWWB) and undergo a multi-stage treatment process to ensure safety. The treatment involves coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to remove impurities and pathogens.
Treatment: Chloramination (chlorine + ammonia) for disinfection
🔬 What's In Birmingham's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Birmingham'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 (5355x above) |
| Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) | 0.0000 ppt | 4e-06 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | 🚨 ABOVE EPA LIMIT (75x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) | 32.27 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (538x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 32.72 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (327x above) |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 48.29 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (322x above) |
| 1,2,3-Trichloropropane | 0.109 ppb | No federal limit | 0.0007 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (156x above) |
| Bromodichloromethane | 8.40 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (140x above) |
| Arsenic | 0.500 ppb | 10.0 ppb | 0.0040 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (125x above) |
| Chloroform | 30.65 ppb | No federal limit | 0.400 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (77x above) |
| Dibromochloromethane | 3.30 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (33x 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.
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: 24.87 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: 17.37 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: 25.08 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.
1,2,3-Trichloropropane
The health guideline of 0.0007 ppb for 1,2,3-trichloropropane 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: 0.0027 ppb. National average: 0.0004 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: 1.68 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.
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: 0.029 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.
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: 5.85 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.
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: 0.448 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 Birmingham'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 Birmingham's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Dry, itchy skin due to chloramine and hard water minerals
- Exacerbation of eczema and other sensitive skin conditions
- Reduced lathering of soaps, leading to increased product use and residue buildup
- Premature skin aging from chemical exposure
💇 Hair Effects
- Dry, brittle, and damaged hair from chloramine
- Dullness and lack of shine due to mineral buildup from hard water
- Fading of color-treated hair
- Residue accumulation, making hair feel heavy and greasy
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Irritation of nasal passages and lungs from inhaled chloramine vapors
- Potential exacerbation of asthma and allergies due to chemical off-gassing
- Exposure to volatile disinfection byproducts (HAA5, TTHM) in shower steam
- General respiratory discomfort during and after showering
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Water
A professional home water test can provide precise data on contaminants and hardness levels specific to your residence, guiding your mitigation efforts.
Install a Shower Filter
A quality shower filter can significantly reduce chlorine, chloramines, heavy metals, and other contaminants, leading to softer skin and hair.
Limit Shower Time and Temperature
Shorter, cooler showers reduce exposure to volatile chemicals like chloramines and disinfection byproducts, minimizing inhalation and absorption.
Moisturize Immediately
Applying a good moisturizer to damp skin right after showering helps lock in hydration and counter the drying effects of hard or chlorinated water.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Birmingham's Water
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Related Reading
- why your skin feels dry after showering
- trihalomethanes in treated water
- hexavalent chromium in water
- shower water quality in Montgomery, Alabama
Is Birmingham tap water safe to shower in?
While Birmingham's tap water meets federal drinking water standards, it contains disinfectants like chloramine and minerals that can irritate sensitive skin and hair. For health-conscious consumers, especially those with skin conditions, addressing these factors can improve comfort and well-being.
Why does my skin feel dry and itchy after showering in Birmingham?
The dryness and itchiness are often due to chloramine, which strips natural oils from your skin, and the moderate hardness of Birmingham's water. Minerals in hard water can leave a film on your skin, further contributing to irritation and discomfort, especially for eczema sufferers.
Can Birmingham's shower water damage my hair?
Yes, the chloramine in Birmingham's water can strip natural oils from your hair, making it dry and brittle. Additionally, hard water minerals can accumulate on hair strands, leading to dullness, frizz, and reduced effectiveness of hair products.
Do shower filters really make a difference for Birmingham water?
Absolutely. Shower filters are designed to reduce chlorine, chloramines, and sometimes heavy metals and sediment, which are common issues in Birmingham's water. Many users report noticeable improvements in skin hydration, hair softness, and reduced respiratory irritation.
