Dry, Itchy Skin After Showering in Miami Lakes

If your skin or hair feels dry after a shower in Miami Lakes, two water factors are worth testing: the chloramine WASD uses as a disinfectant and whatever hardness is left after plant softening. Both affect comfort, not health. A whole-home system treats every shower, and a dermatologist is the right person for any skin condition.

What might be in play

Chloramine: 2.5 ppm running annual average in WASD's 2025 report. Many people notice its smell in a hot, steamy shower.
Hardness: the Hialeah and Preston plants soften the water, but some minerals remain and can leave soap residue.
Habits: long, hot showers dry skin no matter what the water is.

Air conditioning running most of the year also dries indoor air, which some people notice on their skin regardless of water.

What a test shows

Jorge measures total chlorine and hardness at a shower or bathroom tap, and can compare hot and cold. If chloramine is the main factor, filtration is the tool. If hardness is notable, softening may help. If both are low, he'll tell you the water probably isn't the cause.

He also looks at the water heater, since an old tank can change how hot water smells and feels. You keep the written results.

Shower filter vs. whole-home

A shower-head filter is small and water rushes through it, which limits contact time for chloramine. A whole-home system treats every shower and tap with larger media. Living Water describes its Puronics whole-home systems as removing chloramine and chlorine. If testing shows hardness, a softener can be added.

Installation location matters too: in townhomes, Jorge checks where the main line enters and whether there's room.

Medical questions go to a dermatologist

Eczema, rashes and persistent itching need a medical opinion. Water treatment can make showers more comfortable, but it isn't a treatment for any skin condition. Bring your test results if they help the conversation.

If a dermatologist suggests changes to bathing, a water test helps you know what your water actually contains.

When the smell gets stronger

During WASD's yearly free-chlorine conversion, posted by the town for September 28 to October 11 in 2026, many people notice stronger-smelling showers. A whole-home system handles both chloramine and chlorine.

Those two weeks are a useful comparison: if your skin feels the same then as the rest of the year, the disinfectant may not be the main factor.

Habits that help

Warm, shorter showers.
Moisturize right after.
Run the bathroom fan.
Clean shower heads so scale doesn't build up.

Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974 for a free test.

These cost nothing and are worth trying while you wait for the test.

Sources:
https://www.miamidade.gov/resources/water/documents/2025-water-quality-report.pdf
https://www.miamilakes-fl.gov/miami-dade-water-and-sewer-department-announces-annual-chlorine-conversion/

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

Common questions

Can Miami Lakes water dry out my skin?

Chloramine and hardness can affect how showers feel. A test shows which, if any, is present.

Is a shower filter enough?

Its contact time is limited for chloramine. Whole-home systems treat all water. Larger media gives the water more time in contact with the filter.

Is this medical?

For skin conditions, see a dermatologist. Water treatment is about comfort.

Does softening help?

It can reduce soap residue where hardness is notable. Test first. On WASD water the plants already soften, so the test often shows moderate hardness.

Is the test free?

Yes.

Does the hot water heater matter?

It can. Sediment or scale in an older tank affects hot water. Jorge checks it during the visit.

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