Is St. Paul, Minnesota Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Last updated: April 2026.
Is St. Paul, Minnesota Shower Water Safe?
Population: 307,193 · Water Source: Mississippi River and Chain of Lakes
For St. Paul residents, understanding what's in your shower water is crucial for health and well-being. While St. Paul Regional Water Services ensures tap water meets federal safety standards for drinking, certain contaminants can still impact your skin, hair, and respiratory health during showering.
💧 Where Does St. Paul's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Mississippi River and Chain of Lakes
St. Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS) draws its primary water supply from the Mississippi River, supplemented by a chain of lakes including Vadnais Lake. This surface water undergoes extensive treatment to ensure it meets safety standards before distribution to homes and businesses.
Treatment: Coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection (chloramination), fluoridation, and pH adjustment.
🔬 What's In St. Paul's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in St. Paul'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) | 27.36 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (456x above) |
| Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS) | 0.0000 ppt | 1e-05 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (373x above) |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 32.17 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (214x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 20.74 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (207x above) |
| Bromodichloromethane | 6.71 ppb | No federal limit | 0.060 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (112x above) |
| Trichloroacetic acid | 6.95 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (69x above) |
| Dichloroacetic acid | 13.76 ppb | No federal limit | 0.200 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (69x above) |
| Chloroform | 24.94 ppb | No federal limit | 0.400 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (62x above) |
| Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) | 0.0000 ppt | 1e-05 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (10x above) |
| Chromium (hexavalent) | 0.168 ppb | No federal limit | 0.020 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (8x 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: 13.15 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.
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 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: 18.07 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: 9.74 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.
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: 4.00 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: 3.14 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.
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: 5.98 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.
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: 11.63 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.
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.
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: 0.124 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.
🧴 How St. Paul'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. Paul's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Dry, itchy, and irritated skin
- Eczema flare-ups and increased sensitivity
- Soap scum residue leading to dullness and clogged pores
- Premature aging due to chemical exposure and moisture loss
💇 Hair Effects
- Dry, brittle, and damaged hair strands
- Fading of hair color and chemical treatments
- Mineral buildup causing dullness, lack of shine, and breakage
- Difficulty lathering shampoos and conditioners effectively
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Irritation of nasal passages and lungs from chloramine vapor
- Exacerbation of asthma or other respiratory sensitivities
- Potential long-term risks from inhaling disinfection byproducts (DBPs) like TTHMs and HAA5s
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Shower Water
A home water test kit can provide specific data on contaminant levels in your St. Paul residence, helping you choose the most effective solutions tailored to your water.
Install a Quality Shower Filter
Shower filters effectively reduce chloramines, heavy metals, and other contaminants, significantly improving water quality for skin and hair health by removing irritants.
Improve Bathroom Ventilation
Running an exhaust fan or opening a window during and after showering helps reduce the concentration of airborne chemicals like chloramines and DBPs, minimizing inhalation.
Use Skin & Hair Moisturizers
Applying moisturizers immediately after showering helps to lock in moisture and counteract the drying effects of hard water and chloramines on your skin and hair.
Shorten Shower Times
Reducing the duration of your showers minimizes exposure time to steam and potential contaminants, lessening their impact on your body and overall health.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From St. Paul'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. Paul Residents
Afina Filtered Showerhead
15-stage filtered showerhead that removes chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants while providing great water pressure.
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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.
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Shop Now →❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Related Reading
Is St. Paul tap water safe to shower in?
While St. Paul's tap water meets federal drinking water standards, showering exposes you to contaminants differently. Chloramines and disinfection byproducts can be inhaled via steam or absorbed through skin, potentially leading to irritation or long-term health concerns for sensitive individuals.
Does St. Paul water contain chlorine or chloramine?
St. Paul Regional Water Services uses chloramines, a combination of chlorine and ammonia, for disinfection. Chloramines provide longer-lasting disinfection but can also contribute to dry skin, hair damage, and respiratory irritation when aerosolized in shower steam.
Is St. Paul water hard, and how does it affect showering?
Yes, St. Paul's water is generally considered moderately hard due to natural minerals like calcium and magnesium. Hard water reduces soap lather, leaves mineral residue on skin and hair, and can exacerbate dryness, dullness, and eczema flare-ups.
How often should I change my shower filter in St. Paul?
The replacement frequency for your shower filter in St. Paul depends on the filter type, your water usage, and the contaminant levels. Most filters recommend replacement every 3-6 months, but always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for optimal performance and filtration.
Can showering in St. Paul water worsen eczema?
Yes, the presence of chloramines and hard water minerals in St. Paul's shower water can strip natural oils from the skin, leading to dryness and irritation. This can significantly worsen eczema symptoms for many sufferers, making skin feel itchier and more inflamed after showering.
