Is Spokane, Washington Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Last updated: April 2026.
Is Spokane, Washington Shower Water Safe?
Population: 230,160 · Water Source: Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer
Spokane, Washington's beautiful setting is matched by its reliance on the pristine Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer. However, even with a high-quality source, understanding what's in your shower water is crucial for your family's health and well-being, especially when concerns like dry skin, hair damage, and chemical smells arise.
💧 Where Does Spokane's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer
Spokane's drinking water comes almost entirely from the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer, a vast underground freshwater reserve. This aquifer naturally filters water, making it a high-quality source. The water is drawn from deep wells and undergoes disinfection before distribution to ensure it is safe from microbial contaminants.
Treatment: Chlorination
🔬 What's In Spokane's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Spokane's water supply based on real testing data from the EWG Tap Water Database:
| Contaminant | Level Found | EPA Limit | EWG Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic | 3.19 ppb | 10.0 ppb | 0.0040 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (797x above) |
| Total PFOS and PFOA | 0.0000 ppt | No federal limit | 0.0000 ppt | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (722x above) |
| Radon | 398.0 pCi/L | No federal limit | 1.50 pCi/L | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (265x above) |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 2.19 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (15x above) |
| Chromium (hexavalent) | 0.260 ppb | No federal limit | 0.020 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (13x above) |
| Nitrate | 1.72 ppm | 10.0 ppm | 0.140 ppm | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (12x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) | 0.557 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (9x above) |
| Nitrate and nitrite | 1.23 ppm | 10.0 ppm | 0.140 ppm | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (9x above) |
| Bromodichloromethane | 0.469 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (8x above) |
| Dibromochloromethane | 0.718 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (7x above) |
Contaminant Details
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.
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.
Radon
The health guideline of for radon 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: 397.0 pCi/L. National average: 47.68 pCi/L.
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 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.
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: 0.221 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.
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.
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.
Nitrate and nitrite
The health guideline of 0.14 ppm for nitrate and nitrite was defined by based on the equivalent health guideline for nitrate, as defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG. . This health guideline protects against one-in-one-million annual cancer risk level.
Comparison: State average: 0.938 ppm. National average: 0.780 ppm.
Shower Impact: While primarily a drinking water concern, nitrates can contribute to skin irritation during extended shower exposure.
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.
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: 0.621 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.
🧴 How Spokane'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 Spokane's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Increased dryness and flakiness due to chlorine and hard water minerals.
- Exacerbation of eczema, psoriasis, and other sensitive skin conditions.
- Clogged pores and potential acne breakouts from mineral residue.
- Premature aging and loss of skin elasticity over time.
💇 Hair Effects
- Dry, brittle, and damaged hair that lacks shine.
- Fading of hair color, especially for color-treated hair.
- Scalp irritation, itchiness, and dandruff.
- Difficulty lathering shampoos and conditioners, leading to product buildup.
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Irritation of the respiratory tract from inhaled chlorine and TTHMs.
- Worsening of asthma and allergy symptoms due to chemical vapors.
- Nasal and throat irritation during and after showering.
- Potential long-term respiratory issues from chronic exposure to disinfection byproducts.
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Water
A home water test kit or professional lab analysis can provide precise data on what contaminants are present in your specific tap water, giving you a clearer picture.
Install a Quality Shower Filter
A good shower filter can significantly reduce chlorine, chloramines, heavy metals, and other contaminants, protecting your skin, hair, and respiratory system from their harmful effects.
Limit Shower Time and Temperature
Shorter, cooler showers reduce exposure to volatile chemicals like chlorine and TTHMs that vaporize in hot water, minimizing inhalation and skin absorption.
Moisturize Immediately After Showering
Applying a high-quality moisturizer to damp skin within minutes of showering helps lock in moisture and counteract the drying effects of tap water.
Consider a Whole-House Filter for Hardness
For significant hardness issues affecting your entire home, a whole-house water softener can mitigate mineral buildup and its impact on skin, hair, and appliances.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Spokane's Water
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Related Reading
- psoriasis triggered by shower water
- trihalomethanes in treated water
- hexavalent chromium in water
- shower water quality in Seattle, Washington
- shower water quality in Tacoma, Washington
Is Spokane tap water safe to shower in?
While Spokane's tap water meets federal safety standards for drinking, it still contains contaminants like chlorine and hardness minerals that can negatively impact skin, hair, and respiratory health, especially for sensitive individuals. For optimal comfort and health, addressing these specific concerns can be beneficial.
Why does my skin feel dry after showering in Spokane?
Spokane's water is moderately hard, meaning it contains higher levels of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals, along with chlorine used for disinfection, can strip natural oils from your skin and hair, leading to dryness, irritation, and a feeling of tightness after showering.
Do shower filters really make a difference for Spokane water?
Yes, shower filters can make a noticeable difference by reducing chlorine, chloramines, and other contaminants that contribute to dry skin, damaged hair, and respiratory irritation. They are particularly effective in improving the aesthetic quality and comfort of your shower experience in Spokane.
What are Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and why are they in my shower water?
TTHMs are disinfection byproducts formed when chlorine reacts with naturally occurring organic matter in water. They are volatile chemicals that can be inhaled in shower steam and absorbed through the skin, posing potential long-term health risks, even at levels below EPA limits.
Is Spokane's water hardness a health concern?
While hard water itself is not a direct health concern and contains beneficial minerals, it can exacerbate skin conditions like eczema and cause dryness and irritation. Its primary impact is on the comfort of your skin and hair, and the longevity of your plumbing and appliances.
