Is Tacoma, Washington Shower Water Safe? What's In Your Water (2026)
Khat Cruz
Last updated: April 2026.
Is Tacoma, Washington Shower Water Safe?
Population: 221,776 · Water Source: Green River Watershed
For health-conscious residents of Tacoma, Washington, understanding what's in your shower water is crucial for well-being in 2026. While Tacoma's water meets federal safety standards, specific contaminants can still impact your skin, hair, and overall health, making it vital to be informed about what you're showering in.
💧 Where Does Tacoma's Water Come From?
Primary Source: Green River Watershed
Tacoma's primary drinking water comes from the Green River Watershed, a protected, pristine source located east of the city in the Cascade Mountains. Water is collected from the river, then treated at the Green River Filtration Facility, undergoing a multi-step process to ensure safety and quality before distribution to the city.
Treatment: Coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection (chlorination), and fluoridation
🔬 What's In Tacoma's Shower Water?
Here are the key contaminants detected in Tacoma's water supply based on real testing data from the EWG Tap Water Database:
| Contaminant | Level Found | EPA Limit | EWG Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total PFOS and PFOA | 0.0001 ppt | No federal limit | 0.0000 ppt | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (12131x above) |
| Arsenic | 9.00 ppb | 10.0 ppb | 0.0040 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (2250x above) |
| Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) | 0.0000 ppt | 4e-06 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | 🚨 ABOVE EPA LIMIT (106x above) |
| Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS) | 0.0001 ppt | 1e-05 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | 🚨 ABOVE EPA LIMIT (59500x above) |
| Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) | 0.0000 ppt | 1e-05 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (1050x above) |
| Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) | 0.0000 ppt | 4e-06 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | 🚨 ABOVE EPA LIMIT (116x above) |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 96.47 ppb | 60.0 ppb | 0.100 ppb | 🚨 ABOVE EPA LIMIT (965x above) |
| Trichloroacetic acid | 59.55 ppb | No federal limit | 0.100 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (596x above) |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 55.55 ppb | 80.0 ppb | 0.150 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (370x above) |
| Dibromoacetic acid | 8.10 ppb | No federal limit | 0.030 ppb | ⚠️ Exceeds EWG Health Guideline (270x above) |
Contaminant Details
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 (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.
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.
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.
Dibromoacetic acid
The health guideline of 0.03 ppb for dibromoacetic acid was defined by as . This health guideline protects against cancer and harm to fetal growth and development.
Comparison: State average: 0.110 ppb. National average: 1.13 ppb.
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 Tacoma'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 Tacoma's water quality may be affecting you:
🧖 Skin Effects
- Increased dryness and flakiness due to chlorine and mineral residue.
- Exacerbation of eczema, psoriasis, and other sensitive skin conditions.
- Potential for contact irritation from disinfection byproducts.
- Dullness and residue buildup, leading to less effective moisturization.
💇 Hair Effects
- Loss of natural oils, leading to dry, brittle, and damaged hair.
- Faster fading of color-treated hair due to chlorine.
- Lack of shine and increased frizz from mineral deposits.
- Scalp irritation and buildup, potentially impacting hair growth.
🫁 Respiratory Effects
- Inhalation of volatilized chlorine and disinfection byproducts (like TTHMs) in shower steam.
- Irritation of nasal passages, throat, and lungs, especially for those with asthma or allergies.
- Potential for long-term respiratory issues from chronic exposure to airborne contaminants.
✅ What You Can Do About It
Test Your Home's Water
Understanding the specific contaminants and their levels in your home's water is the first step. Home testing kits or professional services can provide a detailed report.
Install a Quality Shower Filter
A good shower filter can significantly reduce chlorine, chloramine, heavy metals, and some disinfection byproducts, improving water quality for skin and hair.
Limit Shower Time and Temperature
Shorter, cooler showers reduce exposure to volatilized contaminants like chlorine and TTHMs, and minimize skin's natural oil stripping.
Moisturize Immediately After Showering
Applying a rich moisturizer to damp skin within minutes of showering helps lock in hydration and counteract the drying effects of tap water.
Consider a Whole-House Water Filter
For comprehensive protection against contaminants in all water uses, a whole-house filtration system provides filtered water throughout your entire home.
Protect Your Skin & Hair From Tacoma's Water
The easiest way to remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants from your shower water.
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Related Reading
- psoriasis triggered by shower water
- trihalomethanes in treated water
- nitrates in tap water
- shower water quality in Seattle, Washington
- shower water quality in Spokane, Washington
Is Tacoma tap water safe to shower in?
Tacoma's tap water meets all federal drinking water standards, making it generally safe for showering. However, certain contaminants like chlorine and disinfection byproducts can still cause skin, hair, and respiratory irritation, especially for sensitive individuals.
How does Tacoma's water source affect my shower water quality?
Tacoma draws its water from the protected Green River Watershed, which is a high-quality surface water source. While this means fewer natural contaminants, the necessary disinfection process introduces chlorine and potential byproducts that can impact your showering experience.
Will a shower filter really make a difference for my skin and hair in Tacoma?
Yes, a quality shower filter can make a noticeable difference. By reducing chlorine, chloramine, and other dissolved solids, filters can help alleviate dry skin, reduce hair damage, and improve the overall feel of your skin and hair after showering.
Why does my hair feel dry and my skin irritated after showering in Tacoma?
The chlorine used for disinfection, along with trace minerals, can strip natural oils from your skin and hair, leading to dryness and irritation. For those with eczema or sensitive skin, these effects can be more pronounced.
Is Tacoma's water considered hard or soft?
Tacoma's water is generally considered soft to moderately soft, typically ranging from 1.7 to 3.5 grains per gallon (30-60 mg/L). While not excessively hard, even these levels can contribute to some mineral residue and impact sensitive skin and hair.
