Is Milwaukee, Wisconsin Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Last updated: April 2026.
Is Milwaukee, Wisconsin Shower Water Safe?
Population: 563,305 · Water Source: Lake Michigan
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, draws its drinking water from the vast expanse of Lake Michigan, a source treated to meet federal safety standards. However, for health-conscious consumers, parents, and those with sensitive skin or hair issues like eczema, understanding what's truly in your shower water is crucial for well-being and peace of mind.
💧 Where Does Milwaukee's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Lake Michigan
Milwaukee's water originates from Lake Michigan, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. The Milwaukee Water Works operates two treatment plants that draw water from the lake, employing advanced processes like ozonation, coagulation, filtration, and chloramination to ensure the water is safe for consumption. This multi-barrier approach is designed to remove contaminants and disinfect the water before it reaches homes.
Treatment: Ozonation, Coagulation/Flocculation, Filtration, Chloramination, Fluoridation
🔬 What's In Milwaukee's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Milwaukee's water supply based on real testing data from the EWG Tap Water Database:
| Contaminant | Level Found | EPA Limit | EWG Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total PFOS and PFOA | 0.0000 ppt | No federal limit | 0.0000 ppt | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (1693x above) |
| Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS) | 0.0001 ppt | 1e-05 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | 🚨 ABOVE EPA LIMIT (112000x above) |
| Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) | 0.0000 ppt | 4e-06 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | 🚨 ABOVE EPA LIMIT (87x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) | 33.01 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (550x above) |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 40.37 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (269x above) |
| Bromodichloromethane | 12.21 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (204x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 18.65 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (187x above) |
| Arsenic | 0.590 ppb | 10.0 ppb | 0.0040 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (148x above) |
| Radium, combined (-226 and -228) | 3.98 pCi/L | 5.0 pCi/L | 0.050 pCi/L | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (80x above) |
| Trichloroacetic acid | 7.73 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (77x above) |
Contaminant Details
Total PFOS and PFOA
The health guideline of 0.007 ppt for total PFOS and PFOA 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 cancer.
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.
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.
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.
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: 10.48 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: 15.46 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: 3.54 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: 6.33 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.
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: 0.472 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.
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: 0.947 pCi/L. National average: 0.332 pCi/L.
Shower Impact: Radioactive contaminants can become aerosolized in shower steam and inhaled, adding to overall exposure.
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: 2.17 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.
🧴 How Milwaukee'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 Milwaukee's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Increased dryness and flakiness due to hard water minerals and chlorine/chloramine.
- Exacerbation of conditions like eczema and psoriasis from irritants.
- Clogging of pores from soap scum and mineral residue, potentially leading to breakouts.
- Premature skin aging from oxidative stress caused by chlorine/chloramine.
💇 Hair Effects
- Dullness and lack of shine from mineral buildup (hard water).
- Increased brittleness and breakage, especially for color-treated hair, due to chlorine/chloramine.
- Fading of hair color and chemical treatments.
- Scalp irritation and dryness leading to dandruff or itchiness.
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Irritation of nasal passages and lungs from inhaled chloramine and disinfection byproducts (TTHMs, HAAs).
- Worsening of asthma and allergy symptoms due to chemical vapors in shower steam.
- Coughing or shortness of breath for sensitive individuals.
- General respiratory discomfort during and after showering.
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Water
A home water test kit or professional analysis can provide precise data on contaminants specific to your Milwaukee home's tap.
Install a Shower Filter
A quality shower filter can significantly reduce chlorine, chloramine, heavy metals, and other contaminants, improving water quality for skin and hair.
Reduce Shower Time and Temperature
Shorter, cooler showers minimize exposure to volatilized chemicals and reduce the drying effects on skin and hair.
Improve Bathroom Ventilation
Running an exhaust fan or opening a window helps dissipate chemical vapors, reducing inhalation exposure during and after showering.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Milwaukee's Water
The easiest way to remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants from your shower water.
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Universal shower filter that attaches to any existing showerhead. Removes chlorine, chloramine, and sediment.
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Related Reading
Is Milwaukee tap water safe to shower in?
While Milwaukee's tap water meets federal drinking water standards, showering can expose you to contaminants differently. Volatile chemicals like chloramine and disinfection byproducts become airborne in steam, leading to inhalation, and hard water minerals can negatively impact skin and hair health.
How does hard water affect my skin and hair?
Hard water contains high levels of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium, which react with soap to form a film. This film can cling to your skin and hair, leading to dryness, irritation, clogged pores, dull hair, and difficulty in achieving a thorough rinse.
Do shower filters really work?
Yes, many shower filters are effective at reducing specific contaminants. Filters designed for shower use often target chlorine, chloramine, heavy metals, and sediment, which can lead to noticeable improvements in skin hydration, hair texture, and reduced chemical odors.
What are disinfection byproducts and why are they a concern?
Disinfection byproducts (DBPs) like TTHMs and HAAs form when disinfectants like chloramine react with organic matter in the water. These compounds can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin during showering and have been linked to long-term health risks, including potential cancer.
Should I be worried about lead in my shower water?
While the primary concern for lead is ingestion, lead can enter shower water from old pipes and fixtures, particularly if they are corroded. Although skin absorption is limited, inhaling aerosolized lead particles during a shower is a potential, albeit minor, exposure route, especially for vulnerable populations.
