Every time we drink water, we are always conscious of its quality… that the liquid we are taking in must be safe to drink.  Of course, we are aware that there are illnesses caused by contaminated water we drink.  Waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid fever are scary because they can be fatal.  Permanent damage to our health may also be the result of chemically-induced illnesses due to long-term exposure to lead, arsenic, or nitrate that may be present in the water we take in.  But have you also thought about your shower water, have you ever considered filtering water coming from this fixture?

Your showerhead in your bathroom yields shower water for bathing and this water normally comes from the same source as your tap water.  Tap water goes through a network of pipes, so your shower water flows through the plumbing system before reaching your showerhead.  This liquid may look clean and clear but may still contain contaminants depending on your local water source, how well your water is treated, or the condition of your pipes and fixtures.

Common Contaminants Found in Shower Water

Chlorine.  This chemical is indeed added to municipal water supplies because it can disinfect and kill bacteria but it has its drawbacks.  Chlorine can remove natural oils from your hair and skin making them dry and irritated and hair brittle.  The chemical they add to water can react with organic matter present producing trihalomethanes which can cause cancer.  The hot water system, on the other hand, can produce chlorine gas in your hot shower which you may not actually notice but you are already inhaling the substance that may irritate your lungs. 

Chloramine.  Municipalities that don’t use chlorine, utilize chloramine instead.    It is a combination of chlorine and ammonia which is more stable and longer-lasting than chlorine.  It may create rashes, irritate your skin, worsen your asthma, and may lead to other respiratory illnesses.  The chemical can actually damage your rubber plumbing in the long run.

Heavy Metals (Lead, Mercury, Arsenic, Cadmium).  Industrial contamination or corroded plumbing are the reasons why heavy metals can penetrate your shower in the bathroom, especially lead which leaches from old pipes.  Through showering, you can inhale or your skin can absorb them which can damage your nervous system, kidneys, and brain function, aside from disrupting your hormones.  This is truly dangerous for pregnant women and children.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).  Pollutions coming from pesticides, fuel byproducts, or industrial solvents produce volatile organic compounds.  Since VOCs can easily evaporate into the air, they can easily enter water supplies.  The steam coming from your shower water may be the cause of your headache and respiratory irritation.  Inhaling VOCs may damage your liver and kidney and may also lead to cancer with long-term exposure.

Pharmaceutical Residues.  Antibiotics, antidepressants, hormones, and other pharmaceutical drugs have been detected, though in very small amounts, in municipal water systems.  However, long-term exposure may result in hormone imbalance and may reduce the effectivity of using antibiotics in treatments.   Immunocompromised individuals or infants are at high risk of these contaminants.  

Pesticides and Herbicides.  Water used in agriculture can also affect your water supply.  Municipal treatment plants’ filtration is usually not enough to eliminate these chemicals coming from agri activities.  These contaminants may disrupt the endocrine system, irritate the skin, or give way to neurological issues.  

Bacteria and Microorganisms.  Pipe breaks, natural disasters, and well water not properly maintained are prone to microbial contamination.  Infections in the ears, the eyes, or the skin can happen in the presence of the bacteria.  Even gastrointestinal disease may occur if the water is accidentally ingested while showering.

How Contaminated Shower Water Affects Your Body

Skin Conditions.  Your dry skin due to chlorine can worsen eczema and psoriasis, also at risk are those with sensitive skin.  

Hair Problems.  Chemical exposure can really damage your hair, reducing its shine, making it brittle and dry, and changing its texture.

Respiratory  Issues.  During the hot shower, you are exposed to chlorine vapor or VOCs that usually trigger asthma or allergies.  That is why there are times that you experience coughing or your chest tightening on a hot shower bath.

Hormonal Imbalance.  Contaminants like pharmaceutical residues, pesticides, and heavy metals can interfere with your moods, metabolism, and reproductive system, all due to hormonal imbalance. 

Accelerated Aging.  Chemical change resulting from exposure to different contaminants can speed up aging because it damages cells in your skin and internal body systems.

How to Examine Your Shower Water

At-Home Test Kits.  The easiest way to get a result on your shower water testing is to buy a multi-contaminant testing kit.  It is easy to use and gives you a snapshot of the quality of the liquid based on various contaminants present, pH balance, and hardness of water.

Send Water to a Laboratory.  If you can find a certified laboratory, they can provide you with more detailed results, just submit to them your sample water.  However, this method is more expensive.  

Request a Water Quality Report.  Your local water provider is mandated to publish an annual water quality report, so you can request a copy of it or you may find it in online sources.

Final Thoughts

Shower water should also be your concern because a lot of contaminants may not be visible to the human eye but your daily exposure to them can endanger your overall health in the long run.   Yes, you don’t taste the water coming from your showerhead, but your skin absorbs the water and your lungs breathe in whatever is in it, especially during hot showers.  So, it is equally important to filter shower water because it can definitely affect your health.  The Fettle Effect shower water filter may actually address your shower water issues.  Other affordable shower filters and full home purification systems can improve the quality of your shower water and protect you from the hidden dangers lurking in your pipes.  Indeed, monitoring your shower water is just as important as monitoring your drinking water.