The two water factors
- Disinfectant. WASD forms chloramine by adding ammonia to chlorine. In a warm shower some people notice the smell more, and many associate it with that tight feeling.
- Hardness. Calcium and magnesium react with soap and shampoo, leaving a film that can make skin and hair feel less clean and harder to rinse. WASD reduces hardness at the Alexander Orr, Jr. plant with lime treatment, but some remains.
Other things matter too, like hot water temperature, shower length, soap choice and Kendall's air-conditioned indoor air. Water is one factor, not the whole story.
What a test can show
Jorge measures chloramine and hardness at a shower or bathroom tap. If both readings are low, a whole-home system is unlikely to change much, and he will tell you. If disinfectant or hardness is noticeable, he explains which piece would address it.
Options for the whole house
| If the test shows | The tool that targets it |
|---|---|
| Chloramine is the main factor | Whole-home filtration designed for chloramine |
| Hardness is the main factor | Ion-exchange softener |
| Both | A combined system on the main line |
Shower-head filters are a smaller option, but they have little room for media and chloramine is harder to filter than chlorine. Check any model's certification for the specific claim.
Simple changes to try first
- Turn the water heater down a little; very hot water is hard on skin for most people.
- Shorten showers and pat dry instead of rubbing.
- Notice whether the tight feeling changes during the weeks WASD switches to free chlorine. If it does, disinfectant may be your main factor.
- Check your soap and shampoo. Hard water reacts with some products more than others.
If simple changes help, you may not need equipment at all. If they do not, a test shows whether water is a likely factor before you spend anything.
What we will not say
We will not claim filtered water treats eczema, psoriasis or any skin condition. Those are medical questions for a dermatologist. Living Water's systems are about comfort, taste and scale.
See what your shower water contains
Book a free in-home test and see the numbers for yourself. Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974. Related reading: chloramine filters in Kendall and hard water spots.
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist