Is Cleveland, Ohio Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Is Cleveland, Ohio Shower Water Safe?
Population: 361,607 · Water Source: Lake Erie
For residents of Cleveland, Ohio, understanding what's in your shower water is crucial for your health and well-being. While Cleveland's tap water meets federal safety standards for drinking, the unique composition of your shower water can still impact your skin, hair, and respiratory health, making it important to be informed about potential contaminants.
💧 Where Does Cleveland's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Lake Erie
Cleveland's drinking water primarily originates from Lake Erie, one of the Great Lakes. The Cleveland Water Department operates multiple treatment plants that draw water from the lake, processing billions of gallons annually. The water undergoes a comprehensive multi-stage treatment process to ensure it is safe for consumption, involving coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection.
Treatment: Chloramination
🔬 What's In Cleveland's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Cleveland's water supply based on real testing data from the EWG Tap Water Database:
| Contaminant | Level Found | EPA Limit | EWG Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic | 3.30 ppb | 10.0 ppb | 0.0040 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (825x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) | 39.67 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (661x above) |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 43.29 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (289x above) |
| Bromodichloromethane | 13.25 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (221x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 17.93 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (179x above) |
| Bromochloroacetic acid | 3.57 ppb | No federal limit | 0.020 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (178x above) |
| Dibromochloromethane | 10.77 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (108x above) |
| Dibromoacetic acid | 2.90 ppb | No federal limit | 0.030 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (97x above) |
| Trichloroacetic acid | 7.12 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (71x above) |
| Chloroform | 22.48 ppb | No federal limit | 0.400 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (56x above) |
Contaminant Details
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: 0.134 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: 21.62 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: 35.74 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.
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: 8.85 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.
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: 14.38 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.
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.
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: 5.65 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.
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: 1.48 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.
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: 4.74 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.
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: 18.75 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 Cleveland'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 Cleveland's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Dryness and irritation
- Eczema flare-ups and aggravation
- Clogged pores and residue buildup
- Reduced effectiveness of soaps and moisturizers
💇 Hair Effects
- Dull, lifeless, and brittle hair
- Hair color fading more quickly
- Residue buildup leading to greasy feel
- Increased hair breakage and dryness
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Irritation of nasal passages and lungs from chloramine vapor
- Exacerbation of asthma or allergy symptoms
- Inhalation of volatile disinfection byproducts
- Dryness in throat and airways
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Home's Water
A home water test kit can provide a detailed analysis of contaminants specific to your plumbing, offering a clearer picture of your shower water quality. This helps you target specific issues.
Install a Quality Shower Filter
Shower filters are designed to reduce chlorine, chloramines, and other contaminants, significantly improving water quality for skin and hair health. Look for filters certified to remove the specific contaminants of concern.
Take Shorter, Cooler Showers
Reducing shower time and water temperature minimizes exposure to steam-borne contaminants and helps preserve natural skin oils, preventing excessive dryness.
Moisturize Immediately After Showering
Applying moisturizer to damp skin within minutes of showering helps lock in hydration and creates a protective barrier against environmental stressors.
Consider a Whole-House Filter (Long-term)
For comprehensive protection against contaminants throughout your home, a whole-house filtration system treats all water entering your residence, benefiting every tap and shower.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Cleveland's Water
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Related Reading
- psoriasis triggered by shower water
- haloacetic acids in shower water
- nitrates in tap water
- shower water quality in Columbus, Ohio
- shower water quality in Dayton, Ohio
Is Cleveland tap water safe to shower in?
Cleveland's tap water meets all EPA drinking water standards, making it generally safe for showering. However, common disinfectants like chloramines and minerals causing hardness can still lead to skin and hair issues for sensitive individuals.
Why does my skin feel dry and itchy after showering in Cleveland?
The presence of chloramines, used for disinfection, and the moderate hardness of Cleveland's water can strip natural oils from your skin. This can lead to dryness, itchiness, and exacerbate conditions like eczema, especially for sensitive skin types.
Can shower water damage my hair in Cleveland?
Yes, the chloramines and hard water minerals in Cleveland's shower water can be detrimental to hair health. They can strip natural oils, fade color, cause dryness, and leave a dull, brittle residue over time.
Do shower filters really work for Cleveland's water?
Absolutely. High-quality shower filters are effective at reducing contaminants like chloramines, sediment, and heavy metals commonly found in Cleveland's water. This can lead to noticeable improvements in skin hydration, hair softness, and reduced chemical odors.
Are there any local water quality concerns specific to Cleveland?
Beyond typical disinfectants and hardness, Cleveland, like many older cities, still faces challenges with lead service lines in some areas. While the city is working to replace them, local plumbing can still contribute to lead exposure, though showering is a minor pathway compared to ingestion.
