The Health Risks of Showering in Unfiltered Water
When most people think about water filtration, their minds jump straight to drinking water. And while it’s true that what we consume matters, there’s another way we absorb water — through our skin and lungs.
At One Water Systems, we believe clean water should touch every part of your life, including your shower. Let’s take a closer look at why unfiltered water in the shower can pose serious health risks — and what you can do about it.
1. Chemical Exposure Through Skin and Inhalation
Most municipal water supplies are treated with chlorine or chloramine to kill bacteria. While that may keep the water safe from pathogens, these chemicals are not meant to be inhaled or absorbed through your skin.
During a hot shower, chlorine vaporizes and becomes a gas — one you breathe in deeply while relaxing under the steam. According to the EPA, you can absorb more chlorine during a 10-minute shower than by drinking eight glasses of tap water. This exposure may contribute to:
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Respiratory irritation
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Exacerbated asthma symptoms
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Skin dryness and irritation
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Increased free radicals in the body, which are linked to aging and disease
2. Skin Conditions and Irritation
Hard water — rich in calcium, magnesium, and other minerals — can wreak havoc on your skin. Combine that with chlorine and you’ve got a recipe for common issues like:
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Dry, itchy skin
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Eczema flare-ups
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Scalp irritation and dandruff
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Faster skin aging
Because the skin is our body’s largest organ, constant exposure to these chemicals can reduce its natural ability to stay hydrated and defend against environmental stressors.
3. Hair Damage
Ever feel like no amount of conditioner can fix your brittle hair? Hard water and chlorine may be the culprits.
Unfiltered shower water can:
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Strip your hair’s natural oils
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Leave behind mineral buildup, causing dullness and breakage
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Fade color-treated hair more quickly
Filtered water, on the other hand, helps maintain your hair’s health, shine, and manageability.
4. Potential Long-Term Health Concerns
While daily exposure might seem harmless, over time, studies have raised concerns about long-term exposure to chlorinated water and byproducts like trihalomethanes (THMs), which form when chlorine reacts with organic matter in water.
THMs have been linked to:
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Increased cancer risk
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Hormonal disruption
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Immune system suppression
Although research is ongoing, many experts agree that minimizing exposure is a smart preventative step.
The One Water Systems Solution
At One Water Systems, we believe every drop of water in your home should be clean, safe, and chemical-free — not just the water you drink. Our whole house water filtration system is:
Maintenance-free
Eco-friendly
Designed to remove chlorine, chloramines, and hard minerals
Built for long-term performance without ongoing filter replacements
By filtering water at the source, you protect every faucet, every showerhead, and most importantly — every person in your home.
Your shower should be a place to refresh and rejuvenate — not a source of hidden toxins. If you’re experiencing dry skin, hair issues, or just want to take proactive steps toward a healthier lifestyle, consider what’s flowing through your pipes.
Clean water isn't a luxury — it's a necessity. And with One Water Systems, it's within reach.
Ready to protect your home from the inside out?
Contact us today for a free water consultation or learn more about our whole house filtration system.
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