Is Salt Lake City, Utah Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Last updated: April 2026.
Is Salt Lake City, Utah Shower Water Safe?
Population: 212,220 · Water Source: Big Cottonwood Creek, Little Cottonwood Creek, Parleys Creek, Deer Creek Reservoir
Salt Lake City residents, it's crucial to understand what's in your shower water as of 2026. While the city's tap water meets regulatory standards for drinking, contaminants present in your shower water can still impact your health, skin, and hair, especially for health-conscious individuals and those with sensitivities.
💧 Where Does Salt Lake City's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Big Cottonwood Creek, Little Cottonwood Creek, Parleys Creek, Deer Creek Reservoir
Salt Lake City's water supply primarily originates from pristine mountain runoff in the Wasatch Front canyons, supplemented by water from Deer Creek Reservoir. This high-quality source undergoes conventional treatment processes at state-of-the-art facilities before distribution, ensuring its safety for consumption.
Treatment: Coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and chlorination for disinfection.
🔬 What's In Salt Lake City's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Salt Lake City'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) | 34.94 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (582x above) |
| Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS) | 0.0000 ppt | 1e-05 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (404x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 34.01 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (340x above) |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 34.70 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (231x above) |
| Bromochloroacetic acid | 3.36 ppb | No federal limit | 0.020 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (168x above) |
| Arsenic | 0.539 ppb | 10.0 ppb | 0.0040 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (135x above) |
| Trichloroacetic acid | 11.98 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (120x above) |
| Dichloroacetic acid | 20.13 ppb | No federal limit | 0.200 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (101x above) |
| Bromodichloromethane | 5.72 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (95x above) |
| Chloroform | 16.55 ppb | No federal limit | 0.400 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (41x 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: 18.27 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: 12.76 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: 21.37 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.
Bromochloroacetic acid
The health guideline of 0.02 ppb for bromochloroacetic acid was defined by as . This health guideline protects against cancer.
Comparison: State average: 3.24 ppb. National average: 2.80 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.
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: 1.75 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.
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: 5.58 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: 6.62 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: 4.17 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: 11.28 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.
🧴 How Salt Lake City'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 Salt Lake City's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Dry, itchy skin
- Eczema flare-ups and irritation
- Soap scum residue leading to clogged pores
- Premature aging due to chlorine's oxidative stress
💇 Hair Effects
- Brittle, dry, and damaged hair
- Fading of hair color and chemical treatments
- Dullness and lack of shine
- Scalp irritation and residue buildup
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Asthma and allergy triggers from chlorine vapor
- Irritation of nasal passages and lungs
- Potential for long-term respiratory issues from DBP inhalation
- Exacerbation of existing respiratory conditions
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Home's Water
Understanding the specific contaminants and hardness levels in your home's water allows for targeted solutions, as water quality can vary even within a city.
Install a Quality Shower Filter
A good shower filter can significantly reduce chlorine, chloramines, heavy metals, and other contaminants, protecting your skin, hair, and respiratory health.
Opt for Shorter, Cooler Showers
Limiting exposure time and using lukewarm water reduces the amount of chlorine and disinfection byproducts absorbed through skin and inhaled as steam.
Moisturize Immediately After Showering
Applying a rich moisturizer within minutes of getting out of the shower helps to lock in hydration and counteract the drying effects of hard or chlorinated water.
Use pH-Balanced Skincare & Hair Products
Products formulated for sensitive skin and hair can help restore the natural pH balance disrupted by shower water, improving overall health and appearance.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Salt Lake City's Water
The easiest way to remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants from your shower water.
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Related Reading
Is Salt Lake City tap water safe to shower in?
While Salt Lake City's tap water meets all EPA drinking water standards, contaminants like chlorine and hard water minerals can still impact your skin, hair, and respiratory system during showering. For sensitive individuals, mitigation steps are recommended.
Why does my skin feel dry and itchy after showering in Salt Lake City?
This is often due to the chlorine used for disinfection and the moderate hardness of Salt Lake City's water. Chlorine strips natural oils, and hard water leaves mineral residue, both contributing to dryness and irritation, especially for those with eczema.
Does Salt Lake City's shower water contain a strong chlorine smell?
Yes, many residents notice a distinct chlorine smell, particularly when using hot water. This indicates the presence of chlorine and its volatile byproducts, which can be inhaled and absorbed through the skin.
Will a shower filter help with my hard water issues in Salt Lake City?
While some shower filters can help with certain aspects of hard water like chlorine removal, most standard shower filters do not effectively soften water by removing calcium and magnesium. For true hardness reduction, a whole-house water softener is usually required.
What are the main concerns for parents regarding Salt Lake City shower water?
Parents are often concerned about children's sensitive skin and potential respiratory irritation from chlorine and disinfection byproducts. Minimizing exposure through filtered water and shorter, cooler showers can help protect young ones.
