Is Memphis, Tennessee Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Last updated: April 2026.
Is Memphis, Tennessee Shower Water Safe?
Population: 621,056 · Water Source: Memphis Sand Aquifer
For health-conscious residents of Memphis, Tennessee, understanding what's in your shower water is crucial for skin, hair, and overall well-being. While Memphis boasts the pristine Memphis Sand Aquifer as its source, the journey to your showerhead can introduce various elements that impact your daily routine. Knowing these components empowers you to make informed decisions for a safer, more comfortable shower experience in 2026.
💧 Where Does Memphis's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Memphis Sand Aquifer
Memphis's drinking water comes exclusively from the Memphis Sand Aquifer, a vast underground reservoir of ancient, naturally filtered groundwater. This deep aquifer provides exceptionally clean water at its source, requiring less extensive treatment compared to surface water sources. The water is drawn from hundreds of wells and then distributed to the city.
Treatment: Chlorination for disinfection, pH adjustment, and fluoride addition.
🔬 What's In Memphis's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Memphis's water supply based on real testing data from the EWG Tap Water Database:
| Contaminant | Level Found | EPA Limit | EWG Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 19.31 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (129x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) | 4.94 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (82x above) |
| Bromodichloromethane | 3.75 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (63x above) |
| Dibromoacetic acid | 1.27 ppb | No federal limit | 0.030 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (42x above) |
| Dibromochloromethane | 3.48 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (35x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 3.33 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (33x above) |
| Radium, combined (-226 and -228) | 1.26 pCi/L | 5.0 pCi/L | 0.050 pCi/L | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (25x above) |
| Chloroform | 9.74 ppb | No federal limit | 0.400 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (24x above) |
| Trichloroacetic acid | 1.08 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (11x above) |
| Dichloroacetic acid | 2.13 ppb | No federal limit | 0.200 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (11x above) |
Contaminant Details
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: 30.36 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 (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: 28.44 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.
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: 3.91 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.
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: 0.116 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: 0.768 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.
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: 21.53 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.
Radium, combined (-226 and -228)
The health guideline of for radium, combined (-226 and -228) was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as . This health guideline protects against cancer.
Comparison: State average: 0.493 pCi/L. National average: 0.332 pCi/L.
Shower Impact: Radioactive contaminants can become aerosolized in shower steam and inhaled, adding to overall exposure.
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: 17.68 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.
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: 10.46 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.
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: 9.66 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.
🧴 How Memphis'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 Memphis's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Dry, itchy skin
- Exacerbated eczema and other skin sensitivities
- Soap scum residue on skin
- Premature skin aging due to chlorine exposure
💇 Hair Effects
- Dry, brittle hair texture
- Faded hair color (especially dyed hair)
- Limp or dull hair lacking shine
- Mineral buildup causing scalp irritation and reduced lather
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Irritation of nasal passages and throat from chlorine steam
- Exacerbation of asthma or allergy symptoms
- Potential long-term respiratory issues from TTHM inhalation
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Shower Water
A home water test kit can provide precise data on specific contaminants and mineral levels present in your Memphis shower water, helping you choose the most effective solutions.
Install a Quality Shower Filter
A good shower filter can significantly reduce chlorine, TTHMs, and other impurities, leading to softer skin, healthier hair, and improved respiratory comfort.
Adjust Shower Habits
Reducing shower time and lowering water temperature can minimize exposure to volatile contaminants like chlorine and TTHMs, and prevent excessive drying of skin and hair.
Use Moisturizing Products
Incorporate hydrating shampoos, conditioners, and body lotions immediately after showering to counteract the drying effects of Memphis's water and lock in moisture.
Ventilate Your Bathroom
Ensure proper bathroom ventilation during and after showering to reduce the concentration of chlorine and TTHMs in the air, improving air quality.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Memphis's Water
The easiest way to remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants from your shower water.
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Shop Now →❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Related Reading
- why your skin feels dry after showering
- chromium-6 in tap water
- nitrates in tap water
- shower water quality in Knoxville, Tennessee
- shower water quality in Nashville, Tennessee
Is Memphis tap water safe to shower in?
Generally, Memphis tap water meets federal safety standards for showering. However, common disinfectants like chlorine and their byproducts, along with minerals causing hardness, can still negatively impact skin, hair, and respiratory health, especially for sensitive individuals.
Does Memphis water cause dry skin or hair?
Yes, the chlorine used for disinfection and the natural mineral content (hardness) in Memphis water can strip natural oils from your skin and hair, leading to dryness, irritation, and a dull appearance. This is a common concern for residents.
What kind of shower filter is best for Memphis water?
For Memphis water, look for shower filters that specifically target chlorine and TTHMs. Filters using KDF media, activated carbon, or a combination are generally effective in addressing these common concerns and improving water quality for showering.
Why does my shower water sometimes smell like chlorine?
The chlorine smell indicates the presence of chlorine, which is intentionally added to Memphis's water as a disinfectant to kill harmful bacteria and viruses. The smell can be more noticeable in hot showers as chlorine volatilizes into the steam.
Can hard water in Memphis affect my plumbing or appliances?
While Memphis water is not excessively hard, the mineral content can still lead to scale buildup in showerheads, pipes, and water-using appliances over time. This can reduce efficiency and shorten the lifespan of these items.
