Is Tallahassee, Florida Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Last updated: April 2026.
Is Tallahassee, Florida Shower Water Safe?
Population: 202,221 · Water Source: Floridan Aquifer
For residents of Tallahassee, Florida, understanding the quality of your shower water is crucial for health and well-being. While tap water meets regulatory standards for drinking, what's in your shower stream can significantly impact your skin, hair, and respiratory health, making it urgent to know its composition.
💧 Where Does Tallahassee's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Floridan Aquifer
Tallahassee's water supply is primarily drawn from the Floridan Aquifer, a vast underground limestone formation. This groundwater source is naturally filtered through geological layers but can pick up minerals and requires treatment to ensure safety before distribution to homes.
Treatment: Chloramination (chlorine + ammonia disinfection), aeration, and filtration.
🔬 What's In Tallahassee's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Tallahassee'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 (146x above) |
| Arsenic | 0.404 ppb | 10.0 ppb | 0.0040 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (101x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) | 3.08 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (51x above) |
| Chromium (hexavalent) | 0.860 ppb | No federal limit | 0.020 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (43x above) |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 6.24 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (42x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 3.09 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (31x above) |
| Tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene) | 0.591 ppb | 5.0 ppb | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (10x above) |
| Nitrate | 0.281 ppm | 10.0 ppm | 0.140 ppm | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (2x above) |
| Radium, combined (-226 and -228) | 0.092 pCi/L | 5.0 pCi/L | 0.050 pCi/L | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (1.8x above) |
| Uranium | 0.466 pCi/L | 20.0 pCi/L | 0.430 pCi/L | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (1.1x 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: 0.321 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: 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.
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: 0.107 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.
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.
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.
Tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene)
The health guideline of 0.06 ppb for tetrachloroethylene 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: 0.0075 ppb. National average: 0.017 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.
Nitrate
The health guideline of 0.14 ppm for nitrate was defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG and corresponds to one-in-one-million annual cancer risk level.
Comparison: State average: 0.249 ppm. National average: 0.824 ppm.
Shower Impact: While primarily a drinking water concern, nitrates can contribute to skin irritation during extended shower exposure.
Radium, combined (-226 and -228)
The health guideline of for radium, combined (-226 and -228) was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as . This health guideline protects against cancer.
Comparison: State average: 0.537 pCi/L. National average: 0.332 pCi/L.
Shower Impact: Radioactive contaminants can become aerosolized in shower steam and inhaled, adding to overall exposure.
Uranium
The health guideline of for uranium 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. Three most common uranium isotopes are U-234, U-235 and U-238. All isotopes of uranium are radioactive, and the total radioactivity depends on the ratio of isotopes. This health guideline protects against cancer.
Comparison: State average: 0.288 pCi/L. National average: 1.03 pCi/L.
Shower Impact: Radioactive contaminants can become aerosolized in shower steam and inhaled, adding to overall exposure.
🧴 How Tallahassee'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 Tallahassee's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Dryness and irritation
- Exacerbated eczema and sensitive skin conditions
- Soap scum residue leading to dullness
- Premature aging due to chemical exposure
💇 Hair Effects
- Dry, brittle, and damaged hair
- Color fading and loss of vibrancy
- Residue buildup, making hair feel heavy and greasy
- Scalp irritation and flakiness
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Irritation of nasal passages and lungs from chloramine and DBP steam
- Potential trigger for asthma and allergy symptoms
- Dryness of throat and airways
- General discomfort during and after showering
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Home's Water
A home water test provides a precise understanding of contaminants present in your specific tap water, including lead and hardness, guiding your solutions.
Install a Quality Shower Filter
Shower filters effectively reduce chlorine, chloramines, and other contaminants, significantly improving water quality for skin and hair health.
Shorten Shower Times and Lower Temperature
Reducing exposure time and opting for cooler water minimizes the inhalation of volatile chemicals and absorption through the skin.
Moisturize Immediately After Showering
Applying moisturizer to damp skin helps lock in hydration and creates a protective barrier against environmental irritants, counteracting drying effects.
Use Gentle, pH-Balanced Soaps
Opting for mild, pH-balanced products helps maintain your skin's natural barrier, reducing irritation from hard or chlorinated water.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Tallahassee's Water
The easiest way to remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants from your shower water.
Shop Afina Filtered Showerheads →🛒 Recommended Products for Tallahassee Residents
Afina Filtered Showerhead
15-stage filtered showerhead that removes chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants while providing great water pressure.
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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
- chromium-6 in tap water
- THMs in your shower water
- shower water quality in Coral Springs, Florida
- shower water quality in Gainesville, Florida
Is Tallahassee tap water safe to shower in?
While Tallahassee's tap water meets drinking water safety standards, the presence of chloramines, disinfection byproducts, and hardness minerals can impact skin, hair, and respiratory health, especially during hot showers. It's safe for general use, but health-conscious individuals may consider mitigation strategies.
Why does my skin feel dry and itchy after showering in Tallahassee?
The chloramines used for disinfection can strip natural oils from your skin, leading to dryness and irritation. Additionally, the moderate hardness of Tallahassee's water leaves mineral residue that can exacerbate conditions like eczema and make skin feel tight.
Do shower filters really make a difference for Tallahassee water?
Yes, a good quality shower filter can significantly improve your showering experience. They are designed to reduce contaminants like chloramines, TTHMs, and hardness minerals, leading to softer skin, healthier hair, and less respiratory irritation from steam.
What causes the chemical smell in my Tallahassee shower water?
The chemical smell, often described as bleach-like, is primarily due to chloramines, which are used to disinfect Tallahassee's water. These compounds can volatilize in hot shower steam, making the odor more noticeable and leading to inhalation.
How does hard water affect my hair in Tallahassee?
Hard water minerals, like calcium and magnesium, prevent shampoo from lathering effectively and leave a residue on your hair. This can lead to dull, dry, brittle hair, scalp irritation, and even impact the effectiveness of hair color treatments over time.
