Is Juneau, Alaska Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Last updated: April 2026.
Is Juneau, Alaska Shower Water Safe?
Population: 32,255 · Water Source: Salmon Creek Reservoir, Last Chance Basin Groundwater
Understanding the quality of your shower water in Juneau is crucial for your family's health and well-being. As of 2026, while Juneau's water generally meets federal safety standards, specific contaminants can impact your skin, hair, and respiratory health, making it essential to know what's flowing from your showerhead.
💧 Where Does Juneau's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Salmon Creek Reservoir, Last Chance Basin Groundwater
Juneau's drinking water primarily comes from the Salmon Creek Reservoir, a surface water source, and is supplemented by groundwater from the Last Chance Basin. Both sources are carefully managed to provide clean water to residents, undergoing modern treatment processes to ensure safety before reaching homes.
Treatment: Chlorination, UV disinfection, filtration
🔬 What's In Juneau's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Juneau'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) | 3.35 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (56x above) |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 3.29 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (22x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 1.93 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (19x above) |
| Trichloroacetic acid | 0.844 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (8x above) |
| Chloroform | 2.99 ppb | No federal limit | 0.400 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (7x above) |
| Dichloroacetic acid | 1.08 ppb | No federal limit | 0.200 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (5x above) |
| Bromodichloromethane | 0.303 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (5x above) |
| Chromium (hexavalent) | 0.059 ppb | No federal limit | 0.020 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (3x above) |
| Nitrate | 0.186 ppm | 10.0 ppm | 0.140 ppm | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (1.3x above) |
| Chlorate | 49.70 ppb | No federal limit | 210.00 ppb | ⚠️ No Federal Limit |
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: 8.54 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: 17.58 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: 11.61 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.
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: 6.23 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: 15.10 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: 5.54 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.
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: 1.75 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.
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: 0.412 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.
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: 0.402 ppm. National average: 0.824 ppm.
Shower Impact: While primarily a drinking water concern, nitrates can contribute to skin irritation during extended shower exposure.
Chlorate
The health guideline of 210 ppb for chlorate was defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as a benchmark for testing under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule program. This health guideline protects against hormone disruption.
Comparison: State average: 130.1 ppb. National average: 116.8 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 Juneau'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 Juneau's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Dry, itchy skin
- Eczema flare-ups and irritation
- Premature skin aging
- Soap scum residue on skin
💇 Hair Effects
- Dry, brittle, and damaged hair
- Fading of hair color
- Dullness and lack of shine
- Difficulty lathering shampoos
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Irritation of nasal passages and lungs from chlorine steam
- Exacerbation of asthma or allergies
- Coughing or shortness of breath in sensitive individuals
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Home's Water
A comprehensive water test can reveal the specific contaminants and hardness levels present in your tap water, providing a baseline for informed action.
Install a Quality Shower Filter
A shower filter designed to remove chlorine, chloramines, and other common contaminants can significantly improve water quality, reducing skin and hair issues.
Shorten Shower Times and Use Cooler Water
Minimizing exposure time and using slightly cooler water can reduce the amount of chlorine and disinfection byproducts absorbed or inhaled during your shower.
Moisturize Immediately After Showering
Applying a high-quality moisturizer to damp skin within minutes of showering helps lock in hydration and counter the drying effects of treated water.
Consider a Whole-Home Filtration System
For comprehensive protection against contaminants throughout your entire home, a whole-home filtration system treats all water entering your residence.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Juneau's Water
The easiest way to remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants from your shower water.
Shop Afina Filtered Showerheads →🛒 Recommended Products for Juneau 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
- nitrates in tap water
Is Juneau tap water safe to shower in?
While Juneau's tap water meets federal safety standards for drinking, certain contaminants like chlorine and disinfection byproducts can still negatively impact skin, hair, and respiratory health during showering. Many residents find that addressing these specific concerns improves their overall well-being.
Why does my skin feel dry after showering in Juneau?
The chlorine used for disinfection in Juneau's water can strip natural oils from your skin, leading to dryness and irritation. Additionally, while Juneau's water is generally soft, residual hardness minerals can leave a film on your skin, contributing to that dry, tight feeling.
Will a shower filter help with my eczema in Juneau?
For eczema sufferers, removing chlorine and other irritants from shower water can be highly beneficial. Chlorine can aggravate sensitive skin, so a good shower filter may help reduce flare-ups and improve skin comfort, although individual results can vary.
Is Juneau's water considered hard or soft?
Juneau's water from Salmon Creek Reservoir is generally considered soft to moderately soft. While not as hard as water in some other regions, it still contains minerals that can impact skin and hair health and lead to minor buildup over time.
What are disinfection byproducts and why should I care?
Disinfection byproducts (DBPs) like TTHMs and HAA5s form when chlorine reacts with organic matter in the water. While necessary for disinfection, these compounds can be absorbed through the skin and inhaled in shower steam, with potential long-term health concerns, making their reduction desirable.
