Dry, Itchy Skin After Showering in Key Biscayne

Comfort factors in island showers

• Chloramine: WASD's main system averaged 2.5 ppm in 2025. Hot showers make the smell more noticeable.
• Hardness: WASD lime-softens the water, but whatever hardness remains affects how soap rinses.
• Lifestyle: sun, ocean swims and pool chlorine all affect how skin feels.

We make no medical claims. A dermatologist is the right person for rashes, eczema or persistent irritation.

On the island, add air conditioning to the list. Long hours in dry, cooled air affect skin regardless of what comes out of the shower, which is one reason testing is useful: it separates the water's part from everything else.

Notice the pattern

• Is it worse during WASD's yearly free chlorine weeks?
• Does it change at a different home or hotel?
• Does soap leave a film that is hard to rinse?

These clues help decide whether chloramine or hardness matters more for you.

Options for a house

A whole-home city water system treats chloramine at every shower. Living Water describes its Puronics whole-home systems as removing chloramine and chlorine. If testing shows hardness worth treating, a softener can be added.

Options for a condo

In a tower unit, whole-home treatment is usually not possible. A shower filter specifically rated for chloramine is the simplest step for the bathroom; check the exact model's listing for chloramine reduction. Pair with under-sink RO for drinking water.

Shower filter shopping notes

Shower filters are small, and chloramine is harder to treat than chlorine, so read labels closely:

• Look for chloramine reduction on the exact model's listing. "Chlorine" alone is not the same.
• Small cartridges get used up quickly in long, hot showers. Follow the replacement interval.
• Hot water and high flow reduce contact time, which limits what a small filter can do.
• Vitamin C style shower filters are marketed for chloramine; check any claim against a listing.

For a house, whole-home treatment avoids these limits because the media is far larger and sized to your flow. For condos, a quality shower filter plus kitchen RO is a sensible pair. Track how your skin feels for a few weeks after any change, and keep seeing your dermatologist for any skin condition.

Hair, pools and the ocean

Swimmers often blame tap water for dry hair, but pool chlorine and salt water play a large role. Rinsing after a swim and using conditioner help regardless of what is in your shower. Testing your shower water separates the tap's contribution from the rest.

Test your shower water

Jorge tests chlorine and hardness free. Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974.

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