Why You Need A Shower Water Filter Now
For drinking water, for sure. But why do you need a shower water filter? You might be surprised!
By Bec Gregory
We all recognise that water is our most precious resource. And for those fortunate enough to choose their drinking water supply, sourcing the highest quality is a top priority. Yet, the importance of water quality in our baths and showers is often overlooked.
But there can be little doubt that in today’s polluted world, you need a shower water filter, too. Here’s why.
Why you need a shower water filter
It’s a fact that during showers and baths, our bodies also absorb water through the skin. In fact, soaking in a bathtub can result in the absorption of up to 1 to 1.5 litres of water!
Additionally, as we shower, water is vaporised into steam, which we inhale. This becomes particularly concerning when using unfiltered tap water.
Why? Mainly because municipal water supplies are often treated with chlorine. And when chlorine becomes unstable, it can produce chloroform gas. In other words, when showering in unfiltered tap water we could be inhaling trace amounts of chloroform, a potentially harmful substance and known carcinogen!
So, if your shower is fed through the municipal water supply, keep reading to discover the health benefits of installing a shower water filter in your home.
Other contaminants in tap water
Unfortunately, chlorine isn’t the only problem with your tap water. Your shower water might also contain heavy metals, such as lead and mercury.
There could also be pesticides, and many more contaminants, including:
- Chloramine
- Fluoride
- Arsenic
- Nitrates
- PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) aka “forever chemicals”
- Pharmaceuticals
- Excessive hard water minerals
- Microplastics
Research from the USGS has shown that PFAS have been detected in nearly half of the tap water in the United States. Additionally, recent research has confirmed that PFAS can be absorbed through human skin. And the results can be devastating.
The health results of polluted water
Healthy water is essential for a healthy life. If not, potential harms from contaminated water range from subtle to severe depending on the chemical and length of exposure.
Here are a few examples of worst case scenarios:
- Arsenic – is a known human carcinogen associated with skin, lung, bladder, kidney, and liver cancer.
- Lead – has behavioural and developmental effects in children; can lead to cardiovascular and kidney problems
- Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) chemicals – do damage to the immune and reproductive systems
- Pesticides – lead to neuro-developmental effects and Parkinson’s disease
- Fluoride – can lead to lower IQ levels in children, fluorosis of the teeth and bones, and calcification of the pineal gland.
Of course, some regions have more contaminated municipal water than others. Not sure about how it is where you live? You can access your latest local water report using resources such as the EWG’s Tap Water Database.
Aesthetic reasons you need a shower water filter
It should be pretty clear by now that due to the contaminants in most tap water, you need a shower water filter to protect your health. But did you know the harsh chemicals in tap water can be harmful to your skin and hair, too?
And if you’ve got hard water, the excessive calcium and magnesium can lead to buildup on hair and skin, further contributing to damage, including:
- Dry, irritated skin
- Weak, brittle hair
- Dry, flaky or greasy scalp
- Split ends and breakage
- Discolouration (orange hair)
- Dull, lacklustre hair
The good news? Smoother skin and softer hair might just be a shower water filter away! By removing the harmful contaminants in your tap water, you’ll get softer, more manageable hair, and healthier-looking skin.
What to look for in a good shower water filter
Shower water filters are available in a wide variety of sizes and styles. They generally attach directly to the shower head. Their primary function is to filter out contaminants like chlorine, heavy metals, and sediments.
To get the best shower experience, a shower water filter must maintain strong water pressure. It should also flow effectively and remove a wide range of contaminants.
Since shower filter cartridges have limited space, it’s essential to choose one that maximises filtration efficiency.
Unfortunately, many shower water filters fall short.
While they might reduce chlorine odour, they often don’t address other harmful contaminants, such as PFAS. As with water filters for drinking, not all options live up to their potential. The result? You’re left vulnerable to unfiltered pollutants.
Some shower water filters we recommend
We’ve tried and tested a few shower water filters here at Eco Home. And of the 5 we tried, there are 3 we’d highly recommend.
1. Weddell Duo
The first one is Weddell Duo. This is the only shower filter to be NSF certified for reducing Free Available Chlorine while maintaining a verified reduction in PFAS and microplastics. It is the #1 NSF Certified Shower Filter in Performance, based on flow rates.
Using a proprietary combination of activated carbon and condensed layers with multi-stage media, it effectively removes chlorine, PFAS, microplastics, lead particles, and unpleasant odours from your water. The result is water that both feels and smells cleaner, leaving your skin, scalp, and hair noticeably healthier.
Weddell Duo is compatible with a variety of shower heads—think: rain, fixed, or handheld. It can be easily installed and removed using a convenient swivel connector, requiring no tools. Plus, it has a decent lifespan of 8,000 gallons before the filter needs changing.
Price: Around $90. Replacement filters are around $50.
2. Aquasana
We also like the Aquasana AQ-4100 Deluxe Shower System.
Aquasana impressed us with their combination of performance, value and ease of use. It’s certified to the NSF/ANSI 177 standard, and thus will remove all chlorine from your water.
The filtered shower head boasts a flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute. This means you’ll still have a powerful shower. Another great feature is that the shower head has a wide variety of settings, from a rain like spray to a massage-like pulse.
With a very impressive filter life of 10,000 gallons, you’ll only need to change the filter a couple of times a year.Price:
Price: From $119, with replacement filters costing around $60.
3. Canopy
The final shower water filter we’d recommend is Canopy. This filter is stylish, easy to install, and helps reduce chlorine, magnesium, mercury, chronium, and other contaminants, as well as harmful microbes, bacteria and fungi.
It also features three stream settings, and a unique aroma diffusion feature. This means you can enjoy a fresh eucalyptus scent every time you hit the shower. It comes in silver or brass, and is easy to clean.
Price: From $150. Replacement filters are $25, and you’ll need one around once every three months.
So…do shower water filters actually make a difference?
The answer, in our experience, is YES.
While it’s impossible to say that our lack of cancer or Parkinson’s, for example, is thanks to the use of a shower water filter, there is no doubt that the impact on our skin and hair is notable. And immediate! In addition, for those with skin sensitivities, like eczema for example, a shower filter is essential. A good shower water filter will also help to treat mineral buildup on your plumbing.
But the best treatment for hard water is installing a whole-house water softener, since mineral buildup also wreaks havoc on plumbing and water-consuming appliances, like the dishwasher and washing machine.
That being said, given the horrendous water pollution we’re all facing today, there’s no harm in trying a shower water filter. In fact, the benefits are very likely to be well worth the cost!
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