Is Des Moines, Iowa Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Is Des Moines, Iowa Shower Water Safe?
Population: 212,031 · Water Source: Raccoon River, Des Moines River
Understanding what's in your shower water is crucial for your health and well-being in Des Moines, Iowa. As of 2026, Des Moines's water, primarily sourced from local rivers, undergoes rigorous treatment, yet specific contaminants can still impact your skin, hair, and respiratory health. Don't let unknown factors compromise your daily shower routine.
💧 Where Does Des Moines's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Raccoon River, Des Moines River
Des Moines's water supply is drawn from both the Raccoon and Des Moines Rivers, two major surface water sources in Iowa. Des Moines Water Works utilizes a multi-stage treatment process, including lime softening, granular activated carbon (GAC), and chloramination, to ensure water safety before distribution. This comprehensive approach addresses various contaminants inherent to river water.
Treatment: Conventional treatment, lime softening, granular activated carbon (GAC), chloramination
🔬 What's In Des Moines's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Des Moines'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 (875x above) |
| Arsenic | 2.60 ppb | 10.0 ppb | 0.0040 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (650x above) |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 64.87 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (432x above) |
| Bromodichloromethane | 18.02 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (300x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) | 16.61 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (277x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 21.53 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (215x above) |
| Dibromoacetic acid | 4.13 ppb | No federal limit | 0.030 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (138x above) |
| Dibromochloromethane | 13.31 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (133x above) |
| Chloroform | 39.10 ppb | No federal limit | 0.400 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (98x above) |
| Chromium (hexavalent) | 1.49 ppb | No federal limit | 0.020 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (75x 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: 0.479 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.
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: 27.20 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: 6.86 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 (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: 13.85 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.
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: 8.77 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.
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: 1.14 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.
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: 4.23 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.
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: 14.72 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.
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: 0.602 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.
🧴 How Des Moines'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 Des Moines's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Dry, itchy skin due to chloramine and hard water minerals
- Exacerbation of eczema and other sensitive skin conditions
- Soap scum residue leading to clogged pores and dull skin
- Increased skin sensitivity and irritation from disinfection byproducts
💇 Hair Effects
- Dull, brittle, and frizzy hair texture
- Faster fading of dyed hair color
- Residue buildup that makes hair feel heavy and greasy
- Scalp dryness and irritation contributing to dandruff
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Irritation of nasal passages and lungs from inhaled chloramine vapors
- Potential exacerbation of asthma or other respiratory sensitivities
- Short-term discomfort like coughing or sneezing in a steamy shower environment
- Exposure to volatile disinfection byproducts through inhalation
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Home's Water
Understanding the specific contaminant levels in your Des Moines home's water can help you make informed decisions about filtration and treatment.
Install a Quality Shower Filter
A good shower filter can significantly reduce chloramine, disinfection byproducts, and sediment, improving water quality for your skin and hair.
Use Moisturizing Skincare Products
Combat the drying effects of hard water and chloramines by regularly applying hydrating lotions, creams, and hair conditioners after showering.
Limit Shower Time and Temperature
Shorter, cooler showers reduce exposure to hot steam containing volatile contaminants and minimize the stripping of natural oils from your skin and hair.
Regularly Clean Shower Heads and Fixtures
Prevent mineral buildup (limescale) from hard water, which can harbor bacteria and reduce water pressure, by cleaning fixtures often.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Des Moines's Water
The easiest way to remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants from your shower water.
Shop Afina Filtered Showerheads →🛒 Recommended Products for Des Moines 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
Shop Now →Afina Shower Filter
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.
✨ Easy replacement every 2-3 months to maintain peak filtration
Shop Now →❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Related Reading
Is Des Moines tap water safe to shower in?
While Des Moines tap water meets federal safety standards for drinking, showering exposes you to contaminants differently. Chloramines and hard water minerals can cause skin dryness, hair damage, and respiratory irritation through absorption and inhalation, especially for sensitive individuals.
What causes the chlorine smell in my Des Moines shower?
The 'chlorine' smell in your Des Moines shower is likely due to chloramines, a disinfectant used by Des Moines Water Works to treat the water. When heated, chloramines can become volatile, creating a noticeable odor and forming disinfection byproducts in shower steam.
Does Des Moines have hard water?
Yes, Des Moines is known for having very hard water, primarily due to high levels of dissolved calcium and magnesium minerals from its river sources. This hardness contributes to soap scum, mineral buildup, and can leave your skin feeling dry and your hair dull.
Can shower filters remove all contaminants?
No single shower filter can remove every contaminant. However, quality shower filters are highly effective at reducing chloramines, chlorine, sediment, and some heavy metals, which are common concerns in Des Moines water, significantly improving your shower experience.
How does Des Moines water affect eczema?
The chloramines and high mineral content (hard water) in Des Moines's shower water can be particularly harsh on eczema-prone skin. These factors can strip natural oils, leading to increased dryness, irritation, and flare-ups, making a good shower filter and moisturizing routine essential.
