Comfort, not medicine
We talk about how water feels, not health outcomes. Treated water changes how a shower feels for many people, but it is not a treatment for eczema, psoriasis or any skin condition. A dermatologist is the right person for those.
Chlorine in Belle Glade's water
PBCWUD's 2025 report says its Western Region adds chlorine before the water leaves the plant and stays on chlorine year-round, with a running annual average of 2.57 ppm, within the 4 ppm limit. In a hot shower, chlorine's smell is more noticeable, and some people find it drying. Free chlorine is generally easier to filter than the chloramine used on the coast.
Coastal PBCWUD customers notice a stronger chlorine smell during the twice-yearly switch from chloramine. Belle Glade does not go through that switch; its water is on chlorine all year, so if the smell bothers you, it will not come and go on a schedule.
Hardness
Hard water makes soap harder to rinse and can leave residue on skin and hair. PBCWUD does not publish a hardness figure, so a test at your tap is the only way to know whether it is a factor. See hard water spots in Belle Glade.
What the test looks at
- Chlorine at the shower or nearest tap.
- Hardness.
- pH and TDS.
- Hot water: the water heater can change smell and feel.
Jorge also asks what you have tried. Many people have already changed soaps or bought a shower head filter. Knowing that helps separate what water treatment can realistically change from what it cannot.
Whole-home and shower options
- Whole-home carbon: a city water system reduces chlorine at every shower and tap.
- Softener: only if hardness justifies it.
- Shower filters: compact, but small cartridges have limited contact time and need frequent changes. Check the certification.
See whole-home filtration in Belle Glade.
A whole-home system also treats bath water for children, hand washing and laundry, which a shower filter does not reach.
Simple habits help too
Shorter, cooler showers and a gentle cleanser help regardless of the water. Then test, so you are not guessing about equipment. Call, text or WhatsApp Jorge at (305) 793-5974.
Moisturizing right after the shower is another simple habit many people find helpful.
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist