Is Augusta, Georgia Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Is Augusta, Georgia Shower Water Safe?
Population: 202,081 · Water Source: Savannah River
Augusta, Georgia, residents rely on the Savannah River for their daily water needs, but what's in that water when you step into the shower? Understanding your shower water quality in Augusta is crucial for health-conscious consumers, especially those concerned about skin and hair health.
💧 Where Does Augusta's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Savannah River
Augusta's drinking water primarily originates from the Savannah River, a major southeastern U.S. river. The city's water utility treats this surface water source using a multi-stage process to ensure it meets federal and state drinking water standards before it reaches homes. This treatment removes sediments, organic matter, and harmful microorganisms.
Treatment: Coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and chloramination
🔬 What's In Augusta's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Augusta'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 (4317x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) | 49.23 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (821x above) |
| Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) | 0.0000 ppt | 4e-06 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | 🚨 ABOVE EPA LIMIT (16x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 27.21 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (272x above) |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 30.40 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (203x above) |
| Trichloroacetic acid | 14.68 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (147x above) |
| Dichloroacetic acid | 12.35 ppb | No federal limit | 0.200 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (62x above) |
| Bromodichloromethane | 3.64 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (61x above) |
| Chloroform | 24.08 ppb | No federal limit | 0.400 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (60x above) |
| Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) | 0.0000 ppt | 4e-06 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (25x 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.
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: 29.13 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.
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)
The health guideline of 0.3 ppt for PFOS 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 cardiovascular harm and harm to fetal growth.
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: 21.39 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: 32.88 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: 10.34 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: 10.67 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: 5.29 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: 24.45 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.
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
The health guideline of 0.09 ppt for PFOA was defined by 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 Harm to the immune system; harm to fetal growth and child development; increased cholesterol.
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.
🧴 How Augusta'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 Augusta's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Dryness and irritation
- Eczema flare-ups and redness
- Premature aging due to chlorine exposure
- Soap residue and mineral buildup leading to dullness
💇 Hair Effects
- Increased dryness and brittleness
- Fading of hair color
- Lack of shine and frizziness
- Difficulty lathering shampoo
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Irritation of nasal passages and throat from chloramine vapors
- Exacerbation of asthma symptoms
- Potential for sinusitis due to steam inhalation of contaminants
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Shower Water
A home water test kit can provide specific data on contaminants present in your Augusta shower, helping you understand your unique exposure.
Install a Quality Shower Filter
Shower filters are effective at reducing chlorine, chloramines, and some disinfection byproducts, improving skin and hair health.
Shorten Shower Times
Reducing the duration of hot showers minimizes exposure to volatilized contaminants like chloramines and THMs.
Boost Bathroom Ventilation
Using an exhaust fan or opening a window during and after showering helps clear harmful vapors from the air.
Moisturize Immediately After Showering
Applying a good moisturizer to damp skin helps lock in hydration and counteracts the drying effects of hard water and chlorine.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Augusta's Water
The easiest way to remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants from your shower water.
Shop Afina Filtered Showerheads →🛒 Recommended Products for Augusta Residents
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15-stage filtered showerhead that removes chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants while providing great water pressure.
✨ All-in-one solution — filters water and gives you a premium shower experience
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Universal shower filter that attaches to any existing showerhead. Removes chlorine, chloramine, and sediment.
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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
- why your skin feels dry after showering
- shower water making skin look dull
- why hair feels oily after showering
- chromium-6 in tap water
- fluoride effects on skin
- shower water quality in Savannah, Georgia
Is Augusta tap water safe to shower in?
While Augusta's tap water meets EPA drinking water standards, showering exposes you to contaminants differently. Inhalation of vapors and skin absorption of chemicals like chloramines and THMs can occur, leading to concerns for sensitive individuals.
What causes dry skin and hair after showering in Augusta?
The presence of chloramines, disinfection byproducts, and hardness minerals in Augusta's water can strip natural oils from your skin and hair. This leads to dryness, irritation, and a dull appearance, especially for those with sensitive skin or existing conditions like eczema.
Do shower filters really work for Augusta water?
Yes, shower filters can be highly effective for Augusta's water. They are designed to reduce chlorine, chloramines, and often some heavy metals and sediment, significantly improving the quality of water for showering and mitigating their negative impacts.
How does hard water affect my shower experience?
Hard water in Augusta can reduce soap lather, leave mineral residue on your skin and hair, and contribute to soap scum buildup in your shower. This residue can make your skin feel dry and itchy, and your hair appear dull and lifeless.
Are there seasonal changes in Augusta's water quality?
Yes, water quality from surface sources like the Savannah River can fluctuate seasonally due to changes in temperature, rainfall, and agricultural runoff. This can sometimes lead to variations in contaminant levels, taste, or odor, which the treatment plant works to manage.
