Is St. Louis, Missouri Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Last updated: April 2026.
Is St. Louis, Missouri Shower Water Safe?
Population: 281,764 · Water Source: Missouri River, Mississippi River
Understanding your shower water quality in St. Louis, Missouri, is crucial for your health and well-being. While the city's tap water meets federal safety standards for drinking, the unique composition of St. Louis's water can impact your skin, hair, and respiratory health, making it vital to know what's in your shower.
💧 Where Does St. Louis's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Missouri River, Mississippi River
St. Louis primarily draws its drinking water from the Missouri River and the Mississippi River. This surface water undergoes extensive treatment processes at facilities like the Chain of Rocks and Howard Bend Plants, including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection, to ensure it's safe for consumption. The river sources mean the water naturally contains various minerals and organic matter.
Treatment: Coagulation, Sedimentation, Filtration, Chloramination, Fluoridation
🔬 What's In St. Louis's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in St. Louis's water supply based on real testing data from the EWG Tap Water Database:
| Contaminant | Level Found | EPA Limit | EWG Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) | 24.30 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (405x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 19.53 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (195x above) |
| Arsenic | 0.736 ppb | 10.0 ppb | 0.0040 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (184x above) |
| Bromochloroacetic acid | 2.03 ppb | No federal limit | 0.020 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (102x above) |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 11.94 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (80x above) |
| Dichloroacetic acid | 15.56 ppb | No federal limit | 0.200 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (78x above) |
| Chromium (hexavalent) | 1.16 ppb | No federal limit | 0.020 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (58x above) |
| Chloroform | 10.25 ppb | No federal limit | 0.400 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (26x above) |
| Bromodichloromethane | 1.47 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (25x above) |
| Trichloroacetic acid | 2.33 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (23x above) |
Contaminant Details
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: 19.31 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: 14.07 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: 0.228 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.
Bromochloroacetic acid
The health guideline of 0.02 ppb for bromochloroacetic acid was defined by as . This health guideline protects against cancer.
Comparison: State average: 1.97 ppb. National average: 2.80 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: 20.66 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.
Dichloroacetic acid
The health guideline of 0.2 ppb for dichloroacetic 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: 10.55 ppb. National average: 8.00 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: 1.20 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.
Chloroform
The health guideline of 0.4 ppb for chloroform 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: 13.70 ppb. National average: 16.20 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: 3.51 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.
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: 2.66 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 St. Louis'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 St. Louis's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Dry, itchy skin due to chloramine and hard water stripping natural oils.
- Exacerbation of eczema and other sensitive skin conditions.
- Soap scum residue leaving a film, potentially clogging pores.
- Premature aging and dullness from chemical exposure.
💇 Hair Effects
- Dry, brittle, and damaged hair texture.
- Fading of hair color, especially treated hair.
- Mineral buildup (limescale) leading to dullness and limpness.
- Difficulty lathering shampoo, requiring more product.
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Irritation of nasal passages and throat from inhaled chloramine vapors.
- Exacerbation of asthma and allergy symptoms due to chemical inhalation.
- Dryness in the respiratory tract from prolonged exposure to treated steam.
- Potential for long-term respiratory issues from disinfection byproducts.
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Home's Water
A professional water test can reveal specific contaminants and their levels in your home, which can vary even within St. Louis due to plumbing age and materials.
Install a Quality Shower Filter
A multi-stage shower filter can effectively reduce chloramine, chlorine, heavy metals, and some disinfection byproducts, improving skin and hair health.
Limit Shower Time and Temperature
Shorter, cooler showers reduce exposure to vaporized contaminants and prevent excessive stripping of natural skin and hair oils.
Ventilate Your Bathroom
Running an exhaust fan or opening a window during and after showering helps disperse chemical vapors, reducing inhalation exposure.
Use pH-Balanced Skincare & Haircare
Opt for products designed to counteract the drying effects of hard and chlorinated water, helping to restore your skin's and hair's natural balance.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From St. Louis's Water
The easiest way to remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants from your shower water.
Shop Afina Filtered Showerheads →🛒 Recommended Products for St. Louis 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
- why your skin feels dry after showering
- trihalomethanes in treated water
- hexavalent chromium in water
- shower water quality in Springfield, Missouri
Is St. Louis tap water safe to shower in?
While St. Louis tap water meets federal safety standards for drinking, showering exposes you to contaminants differently. Inhaling vaporized chemicals like chloramine and TTHMs, and skin absorption of minerals and metals, can lead to issues like dry skin, hair damage, and respiratory irritation.
Why does my skin feel dry and itchy after showering in St. Louis?
St. Louis water is moderately hard, meaning it contains higher levels of calcium and magnesium minerals. Combined with chloramine used for disinfection, these can strip your skin's natural oils, leading to dryness, itchiness, and potentially worsening conditions like eczema.
Can older St. Louis homes affect shower water quality?
Yes, older homes in St. Louis often have aging plumbing infrastructure, including lead service lines or copper pipes with lead solder. This can lead to lead leaching into your water, especially if it sits in pipes for extended periods, impacting overall water quality.
How do shower filters help with St. Louis water?
Shower filters are designed to reduce specific contaminants like chloramine, chlorine, heavy metals, and sediment before the water reaches you. This can significantly improve the feel of your skin and hair, reduce respiratory irritation, and minimize hard water buildup.
What's the concern with disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in St. Louis shower water?
Disinfection byproducts like TTHMs are formed when disinfectants react with organic matter in the river water. These compounds can vaporize in hot showers, leading to inhalation and skin absorption, which are linked to long-term health risks including potential cancer.
