Is Miami, Florida Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Last updated: April 2026.
Is Miami, Florida Shower Water Safe?
Population: 449,514 · Water Source: Biscayne Aquifer (Groundwater)
Miami, Florida, is known for its beautiful beaches, but what about the water flowing through your shower? Understanding what's in Miami's shower water is crucial for health-conscious consumers, parents, and those with sensitive skin or hair concerns, as contaminants can impact your well-being.
💧 Where Does Miami's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Biscayne Aquifer (Groundwater)
Miami's water primarily originates from the Biscayne Aquifer, a vast underground limestone formation. This groundwater source is naturally hard due to dissolved minerals and is treated by the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (MDWASD) to ensure safety and potability.
Treatment: Coagulation, Flocculation, Sedimentation, Filtration, Lime Softening, Chloramination, Fluoridation
🔬 What's In Miami's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Miami'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 (6700x above) |
| Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) | 0.0000 ppt | 4e-06 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | 🚨 ABOVE EPA LIMIT (154x above) |
| Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) | 0.0000 ppt | 4e-06 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | 🚨 ABOVE EPA LIMIT (110x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) | 44.85 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (747x above) |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 74.42 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (496x above) |
| Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) | 0.0000 ppt | 1e-05 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (467x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 42.00 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (420x above) |
| Bromodichloromethane | 22.33 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (372x above) |
| Trichloroacetic acid | 29.20 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (292x above) |
| Dibromoacetic acid | 6.14 ppb | No federal limit | 0.030 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (205x 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.
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.
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: 25.74 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: 30.71 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.
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.
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: 18.88 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.
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: 7.54 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.
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: 6.06 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.
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: 2.57 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.
🧴 How Miami'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 Miami's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Increased dryness and irritation, especially for eczema sufferers
- Residue buildup that can clog pores and dull skin
- Accelerated aging due to chemical exposure
- Flare-ups of existing skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis
💇 Hair Effects
- Dry, brittle, and damaged hair strands
- Fading of hair color and chemical treatments
- Dullness and lack of shine due to mineral buildup
- Increased frizz and difficulty managing hair
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Irritation of nasal passages and lungs from inhaled chloramine and DBPs
- Exacerbation of asthma and allergy symptoms
- Potential long-term respiratory sensitivity due to chemical vapor exposure
- General discomfort and congestion from chemical odors in steam
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Water
A home water test kit or professional analysis can provide precise data on contaminants specific to your Miami residence, helping you make informed decisions.
Install a Quality Shower Filter
A good shower filter can significantly reduce chlorine/chloramine, heavy metals, and other contaminants, leading to noticeable improvements in skin and hair health.
Use Lukewarm Water
Hot water increases the volatilization of chemicals like chloramine and TTHMs, and strips natural oils from your skin and hair, exacerbating dryness.
Moisturize Immediately After Showering
Applying a moisturizer to damp skin within minutes of exiting the shower helps lock in hydration and creates a barrier against environmental stressors.
Consider a Water Softener for Hardness
If hard water is a primary concern, a water softener can remove calcium and magnesium, preventing buildup and improving skin and hair texture.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Miami's Water
The easiest way to remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants from your shower water.
Shop Afina Filtered Showerheads →🛒 Recommended Products for Miami 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
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Universal shower filter that attaches to any existing showerhead. Removes chlorine, chloramine, and sediment.
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Replacement filter cartridge for Afina shower filters. Lasts up to 6 months or 10,000 gallons.
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Shop Now →❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Related Reading
- psoriasis triggered by shower water
- trihalomethanes in treated water
- nitrates in tap water
- shower water quality in Coral Springs, Florida
- shower water quality in Gainesville, Florida
Is Miami tap water safe to shower in?
While Miami's tap water meets EPA safety standards for drinking, showering exposes you to contaminants differently through skin absorption and steam inhalation. Concerns often arise from disinfectants like chloramine, disinfection byproducts, and hardness minerals that can impact skin, hair, and respiratory health.
Does Miami's hard water affect my skin and hair?
Yes, Miami's water is moderately hard due to high levels of calcium and magnesium. These minerals can leave a residue on your skin, leading to dryness, irritation, and potentially worsening conditions like eczema. For hair, hard water can cause dullness, frizz, and make it feel dry and brittle.
What are chloramines and why are they in my shower water?
Chloramines are a disinfectant used by Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department to treat tap water, ensuring it's free from harmful bacteria and viruses. While effective, they can evaporate into shower steam and be absorbed by the skin, potentially causing irritation and contributing to respiratory issues in sensitive individuals.
How often should I change my shower filter in Miami?
The frequency depends on the filter type, your water usage, and the specific contaminants it targets. Generally, most shower filters need to be replaced every 3 to 6 months to maintain optimal performance in reducing contaminants like chloramine and heavy metals.
Can showering in Miami water worsen eczema?
Yes, for individuals with eczema, showering in Miami's water can exacerbate symptoms. The presence of chloramines can irritate sensitive skin, and hard water minerals can leave a film that further dries and irritates the skin, leading to increased itchiness and flare-ups.
