Is Miramar, Florida Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Last updated: April 2026.
Is Miramar, Florida Shower Water Safe?
Population: 140,236 · Water Source: Biscayne Aquifer and Floridan Aquifer
Miramar, Florida's shower water quality is a significant concern for health-conscious residents, especially those with sensitive skin or hair issues. Understanding what's in your shower water is crucial for protecting your family's health and well-being in 2026.
💧 Where Does Miramar's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Biscayne Aquifer and Floridan Aquifer
Miramar primarily draws its drinking water from the Biscayne Aquifer, a shallow, unconfined aquifer, and supplements it with water from the deeper Floridan Aquifer. These sources are treated at local water treatment plants to meet federal and state drinking water standards before distribution.
Treatment: Chloramination, coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and fluoridation
🔬 What's In Miramar's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Miramar'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 (7600x above) |
| Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) | 0.0000 ppt | 4e-06 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | 🚨 ABOVE EPA LIMIT (97x above) |
| Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) | 0.0000 ppt | 4e-06 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | 🚨 ABOVE EPA LIMIT (137x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) | 37.59 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (627x above) |
| Arsenic | 1.35 ppb | 10.0 ppb | 0.0040 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (338x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 28.99 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (290x above) |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 32.03 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (214x above) |
| Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) | 0.0000 ppt | 1e-05 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (155x above) |
| Bromodichloromethane | 8.59 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (143x above) |
| Dibromoacetic acid | 3.85 ppb | No federal limit | 0.030 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (128x 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.
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.
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: 25.74 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.
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: 0.321 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 (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: 18.88 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: 30.71 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.
Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)
The health guideline of 0.006 ppt for perfluorononanoic 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 the immune system 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.
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: 7.54 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.
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: 2.57 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.
🧴 How Miramar'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 Miramar's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Increased dryness and irritation, especially for eczema sufferers
- Reduced natural oil production, leading to dullness and flakiness
- Clogged pores and potential breakouts from mineral residue
- Exacerbation of existing skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis
💇 Hair Effects
- Excessive dryness, frizz, and brittleness
- Fading of hair color and dullness
- Mineral buildup leading to limp, heavy hair and scalp irritation
- Difficulty lathering shampoo, requiring more product
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Irritation of nasal passages and lungs from inhaled chloramine and TTHMs
- Exacerbation of asthma and allergy symptoms due to chemical exposure in steam
- Potential for coughing or shortness of breath in sensitive individuals
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Water
Understanding the specific contaminants and their levels in your home's water is the first step. Home test kits or professional lab services can provide a detailed analysis.
Install a Shower Filter
A quality shower filter can significantly reduce chlorine, chloramine, heavy metals, and other contaminants, leading to noticeable improvements in skin and hair health.
Reduce Shower Time and Temperature
Shorter, cooler showers minimize exposure to harmful chemicals that vaporize in hot steam and reduce the stripping of natural oils from your skin and hair.
Moisturize Immediately After Showering
Applying a good quality moisturizer to damp skin within minutes of showering helps lock in hydration and creates a barrier against environmental irritants.
Rinse Hair with Filtered or Bottled Water (If Possible)
For those with severe hair issues, a final rinse with purified water can help remove residual minerals and chemicals, leaving hair softer and shinier.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Miramar's Water
The easiest way to remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants from your shower water.
Shop Afina Filtered Showerheads →🛒 Recommended Products for Miramar 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
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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
- why your skin feels dry after showering
- trihalomethanes in treated water
- hexavalent chromium in water
- shower water quality in Coral Springs, Florida
- shower water quality in Gainesville, Florida
Is Miramar tap water safe to shower in?
While Miramar's tap water meets regulatory standards for drinking, showering exposes you to contaminants differently through skin absorption and steam inhalation. Concerns like chloramine, TTHMs, and hardness can still impact your skin, hair, and respiratory health, especially for sensitive individuals.
Why does my skin feel dry and itchy after showering in Miramar?
Miramar's water, like much of Florida, is moderately hard, meaning it contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals, along with disinfectants like chloramine, can strip natural oils from your skin, leading to dryness, irritation, and exacerbating conditions like eczema.
Can the smell of chlorine in my Miramar shower be harmful?
The 'chlorine' smell you detect is likely from chloramine, a disinfectant used in Miramar. While effective for killing bacteria, inhaling chloramine in hot shower steam can irritate your respiratory system and contribute to dry skin and hair, especially with prolonged exposure.
What kind of shower filter is best for Miramar water?
For Miramar's water, look for a shower filter that specifically targets chloramine, heavy metals, and common disinfection byproducts like TTHMs. Filters using KDF media and activated carbon are generally effective at addressing these concerns and improving overall water quality for showering.
Does Miramar's hard water affect my hair?
Yes, Miramar's hard water can significantly impact your hair. The dissolved minerals can build up on your hair strands, making them feel dry, dull, and brittle. It can also reduce the effectiveness of shampoos and conditioners, leaving a residue and making hair difficult to manage.
