Dry, Itchy Skin After Showering in Greenacres

What is in the shower water

PBCWUD treats Biscayne Aquifer water with lime softening, filtration and membrane processes, then adds chloramine so the water stays protected through its pipes. Softening at the plant means hardness is usually not the main factor here. What many people notice in a hot, steamy shower is the disinfectant smell, especially during the county's twice-yearly switch to chlorine only.

Comfort factors, not medical claims

• Disinfectant: some people find chlorinated water leaves skin and hair feeling drier.
• Hardness: hard water can leave soap residue that feels filmy; test to know your level.
• Heat and time: long, hot showers dry skin out regardless of the water.
• Pools: time in a chlorinated pool adds to it.

Water treatment can change how the water feels. It is not a treatment for any skin condition. A dermatologist is the right person for that.

What a whole-home system changes

A whole-home system designed for chloramine treats every shower, the washing machine and every tap. Living Water's Puronics systems for city water are described as removing chloramine and chlorine. A shower-head filter is smaller, but small carbon cartridges have limited contact time with chloramine, so check what the model is certified for.

When hardness is part of it

If your test shows more hardness than expected, or you are on a private well, a softener may help with that filmy feeling. Jorge measures it at your tap. See softener vs. filter in Greenacres.

Laundry, towels and hair

Some households notice a chemical smell on towels or feel their hair is rougher after washing. A whole-home system treats the washer too, since it sits on the main line. On softened county water, the change you would notice comes mainly from removing chloramine. If the test shows real hardness, Jorge will explain which part of a system does what, so you are not paying for a step that does not address your complaint.

Small changes worth trying first

• Shorter, slightly cooler showers.
• Gentle cleansers and moisturizing right after.
• Rinsing off promptly after swimming.
• Noticing whether symptoms change when you travel.

If you want to change the water itself, Jorge will test and show you the numbers. Call, text or WhatsApp Jorge at (305) 793-5974.

Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist