Is Concord, New Hampshire Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Is Concord, New Hampshire Shower Water Safe?
Population: 43,976 · Water Source: Penacook Lake
As of 2026, understanding the quality of your shower water in Concord, New Hampshire, is crucial for your family's health and well-being. While Concord's tap water meets federal drinking standards, what comes out of your showerhead can still impact your skin, hair, and respiratory health, making it essential to know what contaminants might be present.
💧 Where Does Concord's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Penacook Lake
Concord’s primary drinking water source is Penacook Lake, a protected surface water body located north of the city. The water undergoes a multi-stage treatment process at the city's water treatment plant to ensure it meets safety standards before distribution.
Treatment: Coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and chlorination for disinfection
🔬 What's In Concord's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Concord'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) | 21.18 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (353x above) |
| Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) | 0.0000 ppt | 4e-06 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (6x above) |
| Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) | 0.0000 ppt | 4e-06 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (1.7x above) |
| Chlorate | 280.4 ppb | No federal limit | 210.00 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (1.3x above) |
| Manganese | 100.6 ppb | No federal limit | 100.00 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (1.0x above) |
| N-ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamido acetic acid (N-EtFOSAA) | 0.0000 ppt | No federal limit | 0.0000 ppt | ⚠️ No Federal Limit |
| Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHPA) | 0.0000 ppt | No federal limit | 0.0010 ppt | ⚠️ No Federal Limit |
| Perfluorohexanoic Acid (PFHxA) | 0.0000 ppt | No federal limit | 0.0010 ppt | ⚠️ No Federal Limit |
| Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) | 0.0000 ppt | No federal limit | 0.0020 ppt | ⚠️ No Federal Limit |
| Strontium | 0.039 ppb | No federal limit | 1500.00 ppb | ⚠️ No Federal Limit |
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: 16.14 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.
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.
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.
Chlorate
The health guideline of 210 ppb for chlorate was defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as a benchmark for testing under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule program. This health guideline protects against hormone disruption.
Comparison: State average: 167.5 ppb. National average: 116.8 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.
Manganese
The health guideline of 100 ppb for manganese was defined by the state of Minnesota as a health risk limit, the concentration of a contaminant that can be consumed with little or no risk to health. This health guideline protects against harm to the brain and nervous system.
Comparison: State average: 33.95 ppb. National average: 8.66 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.
N-ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamido acetic acid (N-EtFOSAA)
The health guideline of 1 ppt for N-EtFOSAA was defined by EWG as 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 protects against applies to the entire class of PFAS detected in water.
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.
Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHPA)
The health guideline of 1,000 ppt for perfluoroheptanoic acid 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 fetal growth and child development.
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.
Perfluorohexanoic Acid (PFHxA)
The health guideline of 1,000 ppt for perfluorohexanoic acid was defined by EWG as 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 protects against harm to fetal growth and child development.
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.
Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS)
The health guideline of 2,000 ppt for perfluorobutane 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 hormone disruption and harm to fetal growth and child development.
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.
Strontium
The health guideline of 1,500 ppb for strontium was defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as a benchmark for testing under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule program. This health guideline protects against harm to bones.
Comparison: State average: 0.077 ppb. National average: 0.488 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.
🧴 How Concord'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 Concord's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Dry, itchy skin
- Exacerbated eczema and psoriasis
- Premature skin aging due to chlorine exposure
- Chlorine-induced irritation and redness
💇 Hair Effects
- Dry, brittle, and damaged hair
- Faded hair color (especially dyed hair)
- Dullness and lack of shine from mineral buildup
- Hard water mineral residue making hair feel heavy or limp
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Inhalation of chlorine and disinfection byproducts (DBPs) vapors
- Aggravation of asthma and other respiratory conditions
- Sinus irritation and dryness from chemical exposure
- Potential long-term respiratory effects from DBP exposure
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Shower Water
A home water test kit can provide specific data on contaminants and hardness levels in your Concord home's water, offering a personalized understanding of what you're showering in.
Install a Quality Shower Filter
Shower filters are effective at reducing chlorine, chloramines, heavy metals, and some disinfection byproducts, significantly improving skin and hair health by removing common irritants.
Limit Shower Time & Ventilation
Shorter showers and ensuring good bathroom ventilation reduce your exposure to steam-borne contaminants like chlorine and DBPs, minimizing inhalation and skin absorption.
Use Moisturizing Products
Combat dry skin and hair by using sulfate-free shampoos, conditioners, and rich moisturizers immediately after showering to lock in hydration and protect against water effects.
Consider a Whole-House Filter
For comprehensive protection against contaminants throughout your entire home, a whole-house filtration system can address water quality issues at every tap, including your shower.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Concord's Water
The easiest way to remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants from your shower water.
Shop Afina Filtered Showerheads →🛒 Recommended Products for Concord Residents
Afina Filtered Showerhead
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.
✨ Keep your current showerhead and add powerful filtration
Shop Now →Afina Replacement Filter
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
Is Concord tap water safe to shower in?
While Concord's tap water meets federal drinking water standards, showering exposes you to contaminants differently. Hot shower steam can lead to inhalation of volatile chemicals like chlorine and disinfection byproducts, and skin absorption is also a concern for sensitive individuals.
What causes dry skin and hair after showering in Concord?
The chlorine used for disinfection can strip natural oils from skin and hair, leading to dryness and irritation. Additionally, minerals like calcium and magnesium contribute to water hardness, which can leave a residue and prevent soaps from lathering effectively, further drying out skin and hair.
Do shower filters really work for Concord's water?
Yes, many shower filters are designed to reduce specific contaminants common in chlorinated municipal water, such as chlorine, chloramines, and some heavy metals. Look for filters certified to remove the contaminants identified in Concord's water reports or your home's test results for best effectiveness.
How does hard water affect showering in Concord?
Hard water, containing high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, can reduce soap lathering, leaving a film on your skin and hair. This residue can lead to dry, itchy skin, dull hair, and contribute to issues like eczema flare-ups and premature skin aging.
Are there specific concerns about disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in Concord's shower water?
Yes, disinfection byproducts like Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and Haloacetic Acids (HAA5s) are formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter in the water. These volatile compounds can vaporize in hot shower steam and be inhaled, with potential long-term health implications for some individuals.
