Written By: Canadian Water Compliance | On
Have you ever noticed dry skin, itchiness, or irritation after showering? The quality of your water could be the culprit. While most people associate water quality with drinking safety, contaminants like chlorine, heavy metals, hard water minerals, and bacteria can also impact skin health.
In Ontario, both municipal water users and private well owners can experience water-related skin issues, depending on factors like water hardness, pH levels, and chemical disinfectants. For those with eczema, psoriasis, or sensitive skin, these problems can become even more severe.
✅ How water quality affects skin health
✅ Common water contaminants that cause skin issues
✅ Ontario’s water quality guidelines for safe skin exposure
✅ How to improve your water to protect your skin
Your skin is the body’s largest organ, acting as a protective barrier against environmental damage. However, prolonged exposure to certain water contaminants can strip away natural oils, disrupt pH balance, and weaken the skin barrier—leading to dryness, irritation, and long-term skin conditions.
Here’s how different water quality issues can impact skin health:
🚰 What it is: Hard water contains excessive calcium and magnesium, commonly found in Ontario groundwater.
⚠ Effects on skin:
Leaves a film of mineral buildup on the skin, preventing moisture absorption.
Can clog pores, leading to acne breakouts.
Worsens eczema and psoriasis due to excessive dryness.
📌 Affected Areas in Ontario: Hard water is common in Southern Ontario, including Toronto, Hamilton, and Kitchener-Waterloo.
🚿 What it is: Ontario municipalities use chlorine or chloramine to disinfect tap water.
⚠ Effects on skin:
Strips away natural oils, leading to dryness, itching, and flaking.
Can cause redness and irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin.
May trigger eczema flare-ups in individuals with existing skin conditions.
📌 Municipal Water Impact: Treated city water is regulated for safe consumption, but chlorine levels can still affect skin and hair health.
💧 What it is: pH measures how acidic or alkaline your water is. Healthy skin has a slightly acidic pH (~5.5).
⚠ Effects on skin:
Acidic water (low pH): Disrupts the skin’s moisture barrier, leading to irritation.
Alkaline water (high pH): Strips away natural oils, causing excessive dryness.
📌 Common in: Some well water sources and certain municipal areas.
🔩 What it is: Older plumbing systems and well water can contain traces of heavy metals.
⚠ Effects on skin:
Lead & Copper: Can cause rashes, premature aging, and irritation.
Iron: Can contribute to clogged pores and breakouts.
Zinc: Excess levels can dry out the skin and cause flaking.
📌 Common in: Homes with older plumbing (pre-1990s), industrial areas, and private well water users.
🦠 What it is: Private wells are not treated with disinfectants, making them susceptible to bacteria like E. coli, coliforms, and Legionella.
⚠ Effects on skin:
Infections & Rashes – Bacteria in water can cause skin infections and irritation.
Fungal Growth – Contaminated water may contribute to fungal acne or dermatitis.
📌 Common in: Rural Ontario communities and homes relying on untreated well water.
While Ontario’s Drinking Water Quality Standards focus primarily on safe consumption, some parameters indirectly impact skin health:
Water Contaminant | Ontario Standard | Skin Health Effects |
|---|---|---|
Hardness (Ca & Mg) | No limit, >120 mg/L considered "hard water" | Dryness, clogged pores, irritation |
Chlorine | 1 mg/L (max) | Strips moisture, worsens eczema |
pH Levels | 6.5 – 8.5 | Imbalanced pH can disrupt skin barrier |
Lead | 0.005 mg/L (max) | Can cause rashes & skin sensitivity |
Bacteria (E. coli, coliforms) | 0 per 100 mL | May cause infections or irritation |
📌 Municipal water is regularly tested, but well owners must test their own water to ensure safety.
If you experience dryness, irritation, or breakouts after showering, improving your water quality can help:
💧 Best for: Hard water issues (removes calcium & magnesium)
✔ Helps prevent skin dryness & clogged pores
🚿 Best for: Reducing chlorine & heavy metals
✔ Protects skin from drying disinfectants
🔬 Best for: Well water users or homes with older plumbing
✔ Identifies lead, copper, and iron contamination
💧 Best for: Removing multiple contaminants (heavy metals, chlorine, and bacteria)
✔ Provides pure, skin-friendly water
✔ Use hydrating lotions after showers
✔ Avoid excessive hot water use, which can worsen dryness
Water quality directly affects skin health, especially for those with sensitive skin, eczema, or hard water issues. While municipal water is treated for safety, factors like chlorine, pH levels, and mineral content can still impact skin. Well owners should regularly test and filter their water to prevent bacterial or heavy metal-related issues.
✔ Hard water can worsen dry skin & acne
✔ Chlorine & pH imbalances can strip skin’s natural oils
✔ Heavy metals in water may cause irritation & sensitivity
✔ Filtration & softening solutions can improve skin health
🔎 Need a water quality test? Contact Canadian Water Compliance for expert testing and treatment solutions!
