Is Olympia, Washington Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Last updated: April 2026.
Is Olympia, Washington Shower Water Safe?
Population: 55,605 · Water Source: McAllister Wellfield
For health-conscious residents of Olympia, Washington, understanding what's in your shower water is crucial. While Olympia's drinking water meets federal standards, contaminants present can still impact your skin, hair, and respiratory health, making it vital to know what you're exposed to daily.
💧 Where Does Olympia's Water Come From?
Primary Source: McAllister Wellfield
Olympia's water primarily originates from the McAllister Wellfield, a groundwater source fed by the Deschutes River basin. This groundwater is naturally filtered through geological layers, then treated by the City of Olympia to ensure safety and compliance with drinking water standards before distribution.
Treatment: Chlorination for disinfection
🔬 What's In Olympia's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Olympia'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 (5925x above) |
| Total PFOS and PFOA | 0.0000 ppt | No federal limit | 0.0000 ppt | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (1089x above) |
| Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) | 0.0000 ppt | 4e-06 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | 🚨 ABOVE EPA LIMIT (25x above) |
| Arsenic | 2.20 ppb | 10.0 ppb | 0.0040 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (550x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) | 5.72 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (95x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 8.95 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (89x above) |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 10.88 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (73x above) |
| Trichloroacetic acid | 5.55 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (56x above) |
| Bromodichloromethane | 2.97 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (50x above) |
| Nitrate | 4.72 ppm | 10.0 ppm | 0.140 ppm | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (34x 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.
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.
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.
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: 1.000 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 (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: 16.86 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: 14.52 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: 17.99 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.
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: 7.83 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.
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: 1.72 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.
Nitrate
The health guideline of 0.14 ppm for nitrate was defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG and corresponds to one-in-one-million annual cancer risk level.
Comparison: State average: 0.848 ppm. National average: 0.824 ppm.
Shower Impact: While primarily a drinking water concern, nitrates can contribute to skin irritation during extended shower exposure.
🧴 How Olympia'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 Olympia's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Dryness and irritation
- Exacerbation of eczema and sensitive skin conditions
- Premature skin aging due to chlorine exposure
- Mineral buildup leading to dullness and clogged pores
💇 Hair Effects
- Dry, brittle, and damaged hair strands
- Fading of hair color and chemical treatments
- Scalp irritation and flakiness
- Hard water buildup leaving hair dull and limp
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Asthma and allergy flare-ups from inhaled chlorine vapors
- Sinus irritation and dryness
- Coughing or shortness of breath for sensitive individuals
- Exposure to volatile organic compounds (like TTHMs) through steam inhalation
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Water
A professional water test provides precise data on contaminants in your home's water, allowing for targeted treatment solutions.
Install a Shower Filter
A high-quality shower filter can significantly reduce chlorine, chloramine, heavy metals, and other contaminants, improving skin and hair health.
Take Shorter, Cooler Showers
Reducing shower time and water temperature minimizes exposure to steam-borne contaminants and prevents excessive drying of skin and hair.
Moisturize Immediately Post-Shower
Applying a rich moisturizer within minutes of showering helps lock in hydration and creates a protective barrier against external irritants.
Clean Showerheads Regularly
Regularly clean your showerhead to prevent mineral buildup and bacterial growth, ensuring cleaner water flow and reducing potential aerosolized particles.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Olympia's Water
The easiest way to remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants from your shower water.
Shop Afina Filtered Showerheads →🛒 Recommended Products for Olympia 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
- psoriasis triggered by shower water
- trihalomethanes in treated water
- nitrates in tap water
- shower water quality in Spokane, Washington
- shower water quality in Tacoma, Washington
Is Olympia tap water safe to shower in?
While Olympia's water meets federal drinking water standards, contaminants like chlorine and hardness minerals can still negatively impact sensitive skin, hair, and respiratory health during showering. It's safe in the sense of acute toxicity, but long-term aesthetic and health concerns exist.
Why does my skin feel dry and itchy after showering in Olympia?
Olympia's water, being moderately hard and chlorinated, can strip natural oils from your skin, leading to dryness, irritation, and exacerbating conditions like eczema. The mineral residue from hard water also contributes to this discomfort.
Does Olympia's water cause hair damage?
Yes, the chlorine in Olympia's water can dry out hair, strip color, and make it brittle, while hardness minerals leave behind a film that prevents proper conditioning and makes hair dull and difficult to manage.
What's the best way to reduce chlorine exposure in my shower?
Installing a quality shower filter specifically designed to remove chlorine and other disinfection byproducts is the most effective way. You can also try taking shorter, cooler showers to minimize inhalation of chlorine vapors.
How do I know if I have hard water in Olympia?
Signs of hard water include soap scum buildup on fixtures and shower walls, dull hair that feels 'straw-like,' dry and itchy skin, and reduced lathering of soaps and shampoos. You can also get a home test kit or check Olympia's annual water quality report for hardness levels.
