Is Mobile, Alabama Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Last updated: April 2026.
Is Mobile, Alabama Shower Water Safe?
Population: 187,041 · Water Source: Big Creek Lake
For residents of Mobile, Alabama, understanding what's in your shower water is crucial for health and well-being. While Mobile's tap water meets federal safety standards for drinking, the unique blend of treatment chemicals and natural elements can impact your skin, hair, and respiratory health during showering. Knowing your water quality empowers you to make informed choices for a safer and more comfortable shower experience.
💧 Where Does Mobile's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Big Creek Lake
Mobile's drinking water primarily originates from Big Creek Lake, a 3,600-acre reservoir located west of the city. This surface water source is managed by the Mobile Area Water & Sewer System (MAWSS) and undergoes extensive treatment to ensure potability. The lake's watershed is carefully monitored to protect against contamination, but like all surface waters, it is susceptible to various natural and human-made influences.
Treatment: Coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration (rapid sand filters), and disinfection using chloramines.
🔬 What's In Mobile's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Mobile'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 (6631x above) |
| Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) | 0.0000 ppt | 4e-06 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | 🚨 ABOVE EPA LIMIT (47x above) |
| Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) | 0.0000 ppt | 1e-05 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (808x above) |
| Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) | 0.0000 ppt | 4e-06 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | 🚨 ABOVE EPA LIMIT (84x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) | 40.69 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (678x above) |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 61.12 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (408x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 33.06 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (331x above) |
| Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) | 0.0000 ppt | No federal limit | 0.0000 ppt | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (250x above) |
| Bromodichloromethane | 5.58 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (93x above) |
| Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA) | 0.0000 ppt | No federal limit | 0.0000 ppt | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (78x 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.
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.
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: 24.87 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: 25.08 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.
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: 17.37 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.
Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)
The health guideline of 0.006 ppt for PFDA 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 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: 1.68 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.
Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA)
The health guideline of 0.006 ppt for PFTrDA 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 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.
🧴 How Mobile'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 Mobile's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Dry, itchy skin due to chloramine and hard water minerals stripping natural oils.
- Exacerbation of conditions like eczema and psoriasis from irritants.
- Soap scum residue leading to clogged pores and dull skin.
- Potential absorption of disinfection byproducts and other chemicals.
💇 Hair Effects
- Dry, brittle, and damaged hair from mineral buildup and chloramine.
- Fading of hair color due to chemical interactions.
- Reduced lathering of shampoos, requiring more product.
- Dullness and lack of shine from hard water residue.
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Irritation of nasal passages and lungs from inhaled chloramine and DBP vapors.
- Exacerbation of asthma and allergies in sensitive individuals.
- Coughing or shortness of breath for some people in highly chlorinated steam.
- Potential long-term respiratory impacts from chronic inhalation of DBPs.
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Water
Get a home water test kit or professional analysis to know the exact contaminants and their levels in your specific tap water. This provides a baseline for targeted solutions.
Install a Shower Filter
A quality shower filter can significantly reduce chloramine, disinfection byproducts, heavy metals, and sediment, leading to softer skin and healthier hair.
Ensure Good Ventilation
Open a window or use an exhaust fan during and after showering to reduce the inhalation of volatile contaminants like chloramine and DBPs in steam.
Limit Shower Duration and Temperature
Shorter, cooler showers can reduce exposure to volatile chemicals and minimize the stripping of natural oils from your skin and hair.
Moisturize Immediately Post-Shower
Applying a good moisturizer to damp skin right after showering helps to lock in hydration and combat the drying effects of hard water and chloramine.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Mobile's Water
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Related Reading
- why your skin feels dry after showering
- shower water making skin look dull
- why hair feels oily after showering
- trihalomethanes in treated water
- nitrates in tap water
- shower water quality in Montgomery, Alabama
Is Mobile tap water safe to shower in?
Mobile's tap water meets federal drinking water standards, making it generally safe for showering. However, the presence of chloramines, disinfection byproducts, and water hardness can lead to skin irritation, hair damage, and respiratory discomfort for sensitive individuals or over time. Understanding these factors allows for proactive measures.
Why does my skin feel dry and itchy after showering in Mobile?
The chloramines used for disinfection and the moderate hardness of Mobile's water can strip natural oils from your skin, leading to dryness and itchiness. These elements can also leave a residue that clogs pores and exacerbates conditions like eczema, making your skin feel tight and uncomfortable.
Can a shower filter help with my eczema in Mobile?
Yes, a quality shower filter can significantly help eczema sufferers by reducing chloramines, heavy metals, and other irritants in the water. By minimizing exposure to these triggers, a filter can reduce skin dryness, itching, and inflammation, leading to fewer flare-ups and improved skin comfort.
Does Mobile's water cause hair damage or color fading?
Mobile's water, with its chloramines and moderate hardness, can contribute to hair damage. Chloramines can break down hair proteins, leading to dryness and brittleness, while mineral buildup from hard water leaves hair dull, prevents proper lathering, and can accelerate the fading of colored hair.
How can I reduce the 'chlorine' smell in my Mobile shower?
The 'chlorine' smell you notice is likely from chloramines, the disinfectant used in Mobile's water. Installing an activated carbon shower filter is highly effective at reducing chloramines and their associated odors. Additionally, ensuring good bathroom ventilation can help dissipate the vapors, making your shower experience more pleasant.
