Is Shreveport, Louisiana Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Last updated: April 2026.
Is Shreveport, Louisiana Shower Water Safe?
Population: 179,334 · Water Source: Cross Lake, Red River
For Shreveport residents in 2026, understanding what's in your shower water is crucial for health and well-being. While the city's water meets federal safety standards for drinking, the unique conditions of a hot shower can expose you to contaminants differently. Knowing your water's profile empowers you to protect your skin, hair, and respiratory health.
💧 Where Does Shreveport's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Cross Lake, Red River
Shreveport's primary drinking water comes from Cross Lake, supplemented by the Red River during dry periods. This surface water undergoes a multi-stage treatment process at the city's water treatment plant, including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection. This comprehensive treatment ensures the water meets regulatory standards before distribution.
Treatment: Chloramination, Coagulation, Sedimentation, Filtration
🔬 What's In Shreveport's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Shreveport'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) | 43.70 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (728x above) |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 52.88 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (353x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 24.17 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (242x above) |
| Bromodichloromethane | 11.45 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (191x above) |
| Dibromoacetic acid | 3.75 ppb | No federal limit | 0.030 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (125x above) |
| Arsenic | 0.400 ppb | 10.0 ppb | 0.0040 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (100x above) |
| Chloroform | 36.59 ppb | No federal limit | 0.400 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (91x above) |
| Dichloroacetic acid | 17.35 ppb | No federal limit | 0.200 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (87x above) |
| Dibromochloromethane | 7.32 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (73x above) |
| Trichloroacetic acid | 3.72 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (37x 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: 21.39 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: 28.16 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: 17.81 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: 6.58 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: 1.85 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.
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: 0.423 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.
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: 14.72 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: 9.07 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.
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: 4.49 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.
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: 5.65 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.
🧴 How Shreveport'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 Shreveport's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Increased dryness and flakiness due to chloramines and hard water.
- Exacerbation of eczema and other skin sensitivities.
- Irritation and redness from chemical exposure.
- Reduced effectiveness of soaps and moisturizers.
💇 Hair Effects
- Dull, brittle, and frizzy hair texture.
- Faster fading of hair color.
- Scalp dryness and irritation.
- Mineral buildup leading to limpness and breakage.
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Inhalation of volatile organic compounds (like TTHMs and HAA5) in shower steam.
- Irritation of nasal passages and lungs.
- Potential aggravation of asthma or allergy symptoms.
- Exposure to chloramine vapors causing coughing or shortness of breath.
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Home's Water
Professional home water testing can provide precise data on contaminants specific to your plumbing, offering a clear picture of what's truly in your shower water.
Install a Quality Shower Filter
A high-quality shower filter can significantly reduce chlorine, chloramines, heavy metals, and other contaminants, leading to softer skin and hair.
Limit Shower Time and Temperature
Shorter, cooler showers can reduce exposure to volatile contaminants and minimize skin dryness, as hot water opens pores and releases more steam.
Use Hydrating Skincare and Hair Products
Opt for sulfate-free shampoos, conditioners with moisturizing ingredients, and rich body lotions to counteract the drying effects of hard water and chlorine.
Improve Bathroom Ventilation
Ensure good ventilation in your bathroom (e.g., use an exhaust fan) to reduce the concentration of inhaled volatile chemicals in shower steam.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Shreveport's Water
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Related Reading
Is Shreveport tap water safe to shower in?
While Shreveport's tap water meets federal drinking water standards, showering can expose you to contaminants differently through skin absorption and steam inhalation. Factors like chloramines, disinfection byproducts, and hardness can impact sensitive individuals, making it important to be informed.
Why does my skin feel dry after showering in Shreveport?
Shreveport's water is moderately hard, meaning it contains higher levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals, along with chloramines used for disinfection, can strip natural oils from your skin and hair, leading to dryness, irritation, and a feeling of residue.
Do shower filters really make a difference for Shreveport water?
Yes, a good quality shower filter can make a noticeable difference. Filters designed to remove chloramines, chlorine, and heavy metals can help improve skin and hair health, reduce irritation, and minimize the inhalation of volatile contaminants during your shower.
What are Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) and should I be concerned?
DBPs like Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) form when disinfectants (like chloramines) react with organic matter in the water. While Shreveport's levels are typically below EPA limits, long-term exposure, especially through inhalation during hot showers, can be a concern for some health-conscious individuals.
How can I reduce hard water buildup in my Shreveport shower?
To combat hard water buildup, consider installing a shower filter or a whole-house water softener. Regularly clean fixtures with vinegar or a descaling solution, and wipe down surfaces after showering to prevent mineral deposits from forming.
