Is Reno, Nevada Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Last updated: April 2026.
Is Reno, Nevada Shower Water Safe?
Population: 268,543 · Water Source: Truckee River, Groundwater
For health-conscious consumers and families in Reno, Nevada, understanding what's in your shower water is crucial for skin, hair, and respiratory health. While Reno's tap water meets federal safety standards for drinking, the unique composition of its water sources and treatment methods can still impact your daily shower experience.
💧 Where Does Reno's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Truckee River, Groundwater
Reno's water primarily originates from the Truckee River, fed by snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada mountains, supplemented by local groundwater sources. The Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA) manages this supply, ensuring a reliable flow to the community. This blend of surface and groundwater contributes to the specific mineral profile and potential contaminants found in your tap.
Treatment: Coagulation, Flocculation, Sedimentation, Filtration, Chloramination
🔬 What's In Reno's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Reno'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 (701x above) |
| Arsenic | 2.16 ppb | 10.0 ppb | 0.0040 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (540x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) | 20.95 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (349x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 19.72 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (197x above) |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 26.64 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (178x above) |
| Trichloroacetic acid | 12.20 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (122x above) |
| Bromodichloromethane | 3.32 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (55x above) |
| Chloroform | 22.08 ppb | No federal limit | 0.400 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (55x above) |
| Dichloroacetic acid | 7.50 ppb | No federal limit | 0.200 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (37x above) |
| Chromium (hexavalent) | 0.584 ppb | No federal limit | 0.020 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (29x 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.
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: 2.23 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.
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: 36.21 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: 21.31 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: 41.51 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.
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: 6.37 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.
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: 12.10 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: 18.18 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: 11.46 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.
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: 0.274 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.
🧴 How Reno'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 Reno's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Increased dryness and flakiness due to chloramine and hard water minerals.
- Exacerbation of conditions like eczema and psoriasis from irritants.
- Soap scum residue leading to clogged pores and dull skin.
- Potential for chemical absorption through the skin.
💇 Hair Effects
- Dry, brittle, and damaged hair texture from hard water minerals and chloramine.
- Fading of hair color and reduced vibrancy.
- Difficulty lathering shampoo, leading to increased product use and residue.
- Scalp irritation and dullness.
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Inhalation of chloramine and disinfection byproducts (TTHMs, HAA5) in steam.
- Potential for respiratory irritation and exacerbation of asthma or allergies.
- Unpleasant chemical odors that can cause discomfort.
- Long-term inhalation risks from volatile organic compounds.
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Water Regularly
Understanding your home's specific water profile with a professional test helps identify exact contaminant levels and guides targeted solutions.
Install a Quality Shower Filter
A good shower filter can significantly reduce chlorine/chloramine, heavy metals, and some disinfection byproducts, improving skin and hair health.
Shorten Shower Times & Use Lukewarm Water
Minimizing exposure time and avoiding very hot water reduces the amount of steam inhaled and skin absorption of contaminants.
Moisturize Immediately After Showering
Applying a rich moisturizer to damp skin helps lock in hydration, counteracting the drying effects of hard water and chloramine.
Consider a Whole-House Water Filter
For comprehensive protection against contaminants throughout your home, a whole-house system treats all water entering your property.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Reno's Water
The easiest way to remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants from your shower water.
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Related Reading
- psoriasis triggered by shower water
- trihalomethanes in treated water
- hexavalent chromium in water
- shower water quality in Henderson, Nevada
- shower water quality in Las Vegas, Nevada
Is Reno tap water safe to shower in?
While Reno's tap water meets federal drinking water standards, it contains disinfectants like chloramine and various minerals that can impact sensitive individuals. For many, it's generally safe, but those with skin sensitivities or respiratory issues may experience adverse effects.
Why does my skin feel dry after showering in Reno?
Reno's water is moderately hard, meaning it contains higher levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals, combined with chloramine, can strip natural oils from your skin, leading to dryness, irritation, and a feeling of tightness.
Can a shower filter really help with Reno's hard water?
Standard shower filters are excellent at reducing chlorine, chloramine, and some heavy metals, which can improve skin and hair. However, most do not significantly reduce hardness minerals. For true hard water issues, a water softener or dedicated hard water filter is usually needed.
What's causing the chemical smell in my Reno shower?
The 'chemical' or 'bleach' smell is typically due to chloramine, the disinfectant used by TMWA. When heated in a shower, chloramine can off-gas, and its byproducts like TTHMs can also contribute to the odor, especially in poorly ventilated bathrooms.
Are there specific concerns for people with eczema in Reno?
Yes, individuals with eczema are particularly susceptible to the effects of hard water and chloramine. These can further strip the skin's protective barrier, leading to increased dryness, itching, and flare-ups. Filtering your shower water can be highly beneficial.
