Is Springfield, Illinois Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Last updated: April 2026.
Is Springfield, Illinois Shower Water Safe?
Population: 114,394 · Water Source: Lake Springfield (Sugar Creek)
Understanding what's in your shower water is crucial for your health and well-being in Springfield, Illinois. While the city's tap water meets federal safety standards for drinking, certain contaminants can still impact your skin, hair, and respiratory health when showering. It's time to uncover what's truly in your Springfield shower water.
💧 Where Does Springfield's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Lake Springfield (Sugar Creek)
Springfield's primary water source is Lake Springfield, an artificial lake impounded from Sugar Creek. The city's water utility draws, treats, and distributes this surface water. The treatment process is designed to remove sediments, pathogens, and other impurities to ensure it's safe for consumption, but some byproducts and minerals remain.
Treatment: Coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection (chloramination), fluoridation, pH adjustment.
🔬 What's In Springfield's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Springfield'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) | 26.27 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (438x above) |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 41.16 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (274x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 19.99 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (200x above) |
| Bromodichloromethane | 7.54 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (126x above) |
| Arsenic | 0.315 ppb | 10.0 ppb | 0.0040 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (79x above) |
| Chloroform | 31.33 ppb | No federal limit | 0.400 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (78x above) |
| Dichloroacetic acid | 15.00 ppb | No federal limit | 0.200 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (75x above) |
| Chromium (hexavalent) | 1.40 ppb | No federal limit | 0.020 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (70x above) |
| Trichloroacetic acid | 4.50 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (45x above) |
| Dibromochloromethane | 2.27 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (23x 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: 19.47 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: 28.74 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: 13.61 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: 7.74 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.
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: 0.395 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: 16.22 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: 7.18 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: 0.368 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.
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: 4.92 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.
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: 4.25 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.
🧴 How Springfield'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 Springfield's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Dry, itchy skin due to chloramine and hard water minerals stripping natural oils.
- Exacerbation of eczema and other skin sensitivities from disinfectants and their byproducts.
- Soap scum residue from hard water leaving a film that clogs pores and irritates skin.
- Potential for skin irritation from contaminants like Chromium-6.
💇 Hair Effects
- Dry, brittle, and dull hair caused by chloramine and hard water minerals.
- Reduced lathering of shampoos and conditioners due to hard water, leading to less effective cleaning.
- Mineral buildup on hair strands, making hair feel heavy, greasy, or difficult to manage.
- Fading of color-treated hair from harsh disinfectants.
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Inhalation of chloramine vapors, leading to irritation of airways and potential asthma triggers.
- Exposure to volatile disinfection byproducts (TTHMs, HAA5) in steam, which can pose long-term health risks.
- General respiratory discomfort or sensitivity, especially for individuals with existing conditions.
- Inhalation of aerosolized contaminants like lead or pesticides, though at lower concentrations.
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Shower Water
A home water test kit can provide precise data on specific contaminant levels in your Springfield home, helping you identify your biggest concerns.
Install a High-Quality Shower Filter
Shower filters are designed to reduce chlorine/chloramine, heavy metals, and other contaminants, leading to softer skin, healthier hair, and less respiratory irritation.
Reduce Shower Time and Temperature
Shorter, cooler showers can minimize exposure to volatile contaminants and reduce the drying effects of hot water on skin and hair.
Moisturize Immediately After Showering
Applying a rich moisturizer to damp skin helps lock in hydration and counteracts the drying effects of hard water and disinfectants.
Consider a Whole-House Filter (Long-Term)
For comprehensive protection against a wider range of contaminants affecting all water points in your home, a whole-house filtration system is an effective long-term solution.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Springfield's Water
The easiest way to remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants from your shower water.
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Related Reading
- why your skin feels dry after showering
- arsenic in drinking water
- hexavalent chromium in water
- shower water quality in Joliet, Illinois
- shower water quality in Naperville, Illinois
Is Springfield tap water safe to shower in?
Springfield's tap water meets federal drinking water standards, making it generally safe for showering. However, disinfectants like chloramine and hard water minerals, while not acutely dangerous, can cause issues like dry skin, hair damage, and respiratory irritation for sensitive individuals.
Why does my skin feel dry after showering in Springfield?
Springfield's water contains chloramine, which strips natural oils from your skin, and is moderately hard, meaning it has high levels of calcium and magnesium. These minerals react with soap to form residue, leaving your skin feeling tight, itchy, and dry after showering.
Can shower filters really help with Springfield's water quality?
Yes, a good quality shower filter can significantly improve your showering experience. They are effective at reducing chlorine/chloramine, heavy metals, and often some disinfection byproducts, leading to softer skin, shinier hair, and less exposure to irritating vapors.
Are there specific concerns about Lake Springfield water for showering?
As a surface water source, Lake Springfield's water is treated with disinfectants like chloramine, which can lead to disinfection byproducts (TTHMs, HAA5). These volatile compounds can be inhaled in shower steam, and the water's natural hardness also contributes to common skin and hair issues.
How can I tell if my Springfield home has hard water?
Signs of hard water include soap not lathering well, persistent soap scum on shower walls and fixtures, white mineral buildup around faucets, and dry, itchy skin or dull, lifeless hair after showering. A simple home test kit can also confirm water hardness levels.
