Dry, Itchy Skin After Showering in Highland Beach

What is in the shower water

The Town of Highland Beach's 2025 report lists chlorine at an average of 1.15 ppm with readings up to 3.2 ppm. Hardness was cut by about 90 percent when the RO plant came online in 2004. So the comfort factor most people can actually change here is chlorine.

Other things that affect how showers feel

• Hot, long showers.
• Air conditioning and indoor humidity.
• Sun, salt water and pool time, common on a barrier island.
• Soaps and products.

A filter can help with the water part only.

Snowbirds sometimes notice a change on arrival because the climate, sun exposure and indoor air are all different from home. Water is one factor among several.

Options by home type

• Single-family home: a whole-home filter removes chlorine at every shower.
• Condo: shower-head filters are the practical route; check their certification for chlorine reduction.
• During the town's chloramine maintenance periods: look for filters rated for chloramine too.

Shower filter cartridges need regular replacement; a spent cartridge does little. Write the install date on the housing.

What testing shows

Jorge measures chlorine and hardness at your shower and kitchen taps. If chlorine is low at your tap and hardness is low, a filter may not change much, and he will tell you that.

Hard water vs. chlorine: the Highland Beach difference

In many South Florida cities, hard water is the first suspect when showers feel harsh. Highland Beach is different. Its water starts as brackish Floridan Aquifer water, goes through reverse osmosis and then gets a controlled amount of lime back. That leaves chlorine as the main additive you might notice, and the town itself says its residual may be more noticeable because the water is so pure.

Measure, then decide

A filter is worth considering when chlorine at your shower is clearly present and you notice it. If readings are low, spend the money elsewhere. Jorge shows you the readings so the decision is yours.

See a dermatologist for skin conditions

We do not make medical claims. If you have persistent itching, rashes or a skin condition, a dermatologist is the right person. Call, text or WhatsApp Jorge at (305) 793-5974 for the water side.

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