Comfort, not medicine
Many things affect how skin feels after a shower: water temperature, shower length, soap, sun, pool and ocean time, and humidity. Water treatment changes two factors at home, the disinfectant and the minerals. It does not treat eczema, psoriasis or any skin condition. If dryness, itching or rashes persist, a dermatologist is the right person to see.
What is in Delray's shower water
- Chloramine: the city's disinfectant, with results from 1.54 to 5.2 ppm across sampling points in 2025.
- Hardness: reduced at the plant by lime softening. A tap test shows what remains.
- Temperature: hot water itself is one of the biggest drying factors, whatever the water quality.
Options, simplest first
| Option | What it changes |
|---|---|
| Cooler, shorter showers | Often the biggest single difference, and free |
| Shower-head filter | Reduces chloramine at one shower only if certified for chloramine |
| Whole-home chloramine system | Reduces chloramine at every shower and tap |
| Softener | Only if your test shows hardness worth reducing |
Why shower filters disappoint in chloramine cities
Many shower filters are built for free chlorine. Chloramine reacts more slowly with filter media, and a shower head gives the water only a split second of contact. If you try one, check that its certification lists chloramine and replace it on schedule. A whole-home system gives the water far more contact time before it reaches the heater and every bathroom.
Babies, kids and sensitive skin
Parents often ask whether filtered bath water matters for young children. That is a question for your pediatrician or dermatologist, not a water salesperson. What Jorge can do is measure what is in your bath water, so you and your doctor have real numbers for chloramine and hardness to talk about.
Habits that help
Rinse off after the beach or pool in lukewarm water, pat dry rather than rubbing, and moisturize while skin is still slightly damp. These cost nothing and work alongside any water treatment. Keep showers to a few minutes, and use a gentle cleanser rather than harsh soaps. If you notice a strong chemical smell in a steamy bathroom, run the exhaust fan; it clears the air quickly and makes the room more comfortable whatever your water.
What the test shows
Jorge measures chloramine and hardness at your shower and kitchen. If chloramine is the main factor and hardness is low, you will not be sold a softener. Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974. Living Water offers financing through its financing partners; you apply with a credit application, and a co-applicant can apply with you.
https://www.delraybeachfl.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/15661/639117568552970000
https://www.delraybeachfl.gov/government/city-departments/utilities/drinking-water
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist