Is Huntsville, Alabama Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Last updated: April 2026.
Is Huntsville, Alabama Shower Water Safe?
Population: 220,461 · Water Source: Tennessee River (via Wheeler Lake)
For health-conscious residents in Huntsville, Alabama, understanding what's in your shower water is crucial for well-being. While Huntsville Utilities diligently treats its water, various contaminants and minerals can still impact your skin, hair, and respiratory health, making it important to be informed.
💧 Where Does Huntsville's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Tennessee River (via Wheeler Lake)
Huntsville's water primarily originates from the Tennessee River, specifically drawn from Wheeler Lake. This surface water source undergoes a multi-stage treatment process at the Huntsville Utilities Dublin Memorial Water Treatment Plant, ensuring it meets federal and state drinking water standards before distribution.
Treatment: Coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection (chloramination), and pH adjustment.
🔬 What's In Huntsville's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Huntsville'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) | 27.59 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (460x above) |
| Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS) | 0.0000 ppt | 1e-05 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (404x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 22.34 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (223x above) |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 29.85 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (199x above) |
| Bromodichloromethane | 1.06 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (18x above) |
| Chloroform | 5.06 ppb | No federal limit | 0.400 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (13x above) |
| Chromium (hexavalent) | 0.234 ppb | No federal limit | 0.020 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (12x above) |
| Tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene) | 0.544 ppb | 5.0 ppb | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (9x above) |
| Nitrate | 1.03 ppm | 10.0 ppm | 0.140 ppm | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (7x above) |
| Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) | 0.0000 ppt | 4e-06 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (7x 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: 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: 0.145 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.
Tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene)
The health guideline of 0.06 ppb for tetrachloroethylene 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: 0.041 ppb. National average: 0.017 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.
Nitrate
The health guideline of 0.14 ppm for nitrate was defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG and corresponds to one-in-one-million annual cancer risk level.
Comparison: State average: 0.574 ppm. National average: 0.824 ppm.
Shower Impact: While primarily a drinking water concern, nitrates can contribute to skin irritation during extended shower exposure.
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.
🧴 How Huntsville'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 Huntsville's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Dry, itchy skin and irritation
- Exacerbation of eczema and other skin sensitivities
- Soap scum residue leading to dullness
- Potential for premature skin aging due to chemical exposure
💇 Hair Effects
- Dry, brittle, and frizzy hair
- Fading of hair color and chemical treatments
- Mineral buildup causing dullness and limpness
- Difficulty lathering shampoo and conditioner
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Irritation of nasal passages and throat from chloramine vapors
- Potential trigger for asthma or allergy symptoms in sensitive individuals
- Dryness of mucous membranes from chemical inhalation
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Water Annually
A home water test kit or professional analysis can provide specific data on contaminants present in your tap water, allowing for targeted solutions.
Install a Quality Shower Filter
A good shower filter can significantly reduce chloramines, disinfection byproducts, and sediment, improving skin and hair health and reducing chemical inhalation.
Reduce Shower Time and Temperature
Shorter, cooler showers minimize exposure to vaporized chemicals and reduce the amount of water absorbed by your skin.
Moisturize Immediately After Showering
Applying a rich moisturizer to damp skin helps lock in hydration and creates a protective barrier against environmental irritants.
Clean Shower Heads Regularly
Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of hard water minerals and bacteria, ensuring better water flow and reducing potential exposure to accumulated contaminants.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Huntsville's Water
The easiest way to remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants from your shower water.
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Related Reading
- why your skin feels dry after showering
- chromium-6 in tap water
- nitrates in tap water
- shower water quality in Montgomery, Alabama
Is Huntsville tap water safe to shower in?
Huntsville's tap water meets all federal and state safety standards for drinking, which generally means it's considered safe for showering. However, certain dissolved minerals and treatment chemicals can still negatively impact skin, hair, and respiratory comfort for sensitive individuals.
Does Huntsville have hard water?
Yes, Huntsville's water sourced from the Tennessee River is moderately hard. This means it contains higher levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can lead to soap scum, dry skin, and dull hair over time.
What causes the chlorine smell in Huntsville's shower water?
Huntsville Utilities uses chloramines (a combination of chlorine and ammonia) as a disinfectant. This can sometimes produce a noticeable chemical odor, especially when heated in a shower, as the chloramines volatilize into the steam.
How often should I change my shower filter?
Most shower filters are designed to last between 3 to 6 months, or for a specific volume of water, depending on water quality and usage. Always refer to the manufacturer's recommendations for optimal performance and contaminant reduction.
Can showering in Huntsville's water affect my hair color?
Yes, the chloramines and hardness minerals in Huntsville's water can strip natural oils, fade hair dyes, and leave residue that dulls color-treated hair. A shower filter can help protect your hair's vibrancy and health.
