Detroit Tap: Chlorine Lies Inflaming Pores?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

May 12, 2026

The water coming out of your tap in Detroit might look clear, but what’s lurking inside could be impacting your health, especially if you or your family members have sensitive skin conditions like eczema. We often take clean water for granted, but the reality is that municipal water treatment, while essential, leaves behind byproducts that can be irritating and even harmful over time. Let’s dive into what’s really in Detroit’s water and how you can take control of your water quality.

Detroit’s water, sourced primarily from the Detroit River and Lake Huron, undergoes a rigorous treatment process. This process includes the addition of chlorine and chloramine to disinfect the water and kill harmful bacteria and viruses. While these disinfectants are crucial for public health, they can react with organic matter in the water to form disinfection byproducts (DBPs). These DBPs, such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), are regulated by the EPA, but even within legal limits, they can pose health risks, particularly with long-term exposure.

The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) publishes annual water quality reports that detail the levels of chlorine, chloramine, THMs, and HAAs in the city’s water supply. These reports consistently show that Detroit’s water meets all federal and state safety standards. However, it’s important to understand that these are average levels measured at various points in the distribution system. The actual levels in your home can vary depending on your location, the age of your plumbing, and even the time of year.

So, how do you know what’s really in your water? The first step is to test it yourself. While DWSD provides general information, a home water test gives you a precise snapshot of your water quality.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to testing your Detroit tap water for chlorine byproducts:

Choose a Certified Lab: Don’t rely on cheap, inaccurate test kits from the hardware store. Instead, opt for a certified laboratory that specializes in water testing. Look for labs certified by the EPA or your state’s environmental agency. In Michigan, the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) maintains a list of certified labs. A good starting point is to search for “certified water testing labs Detroit MI.”
Order a THM/HAA Test Kit: Contact the lab and request a test kit specifically designed to measure THMs and HAAs. The kit will include sample bottles, instructions, and a prepaid shipping label.
Collect Your Sample: Follow the lab’s instructions precisely. This usually involves running the cold water tap for a specific amount of time (typically 3-5 minutes) to flush out any stagnant water in your pipes. Fill the sample bottles to the indicated line, being careful not to contaminate the sample.
Ship the Sample Promptly: Time is of the essence. DBPs can degrade over time, so it’s crucial to ship the sample back to the lab as quickly as possible, ideally within 24 hours of collection.
Review the Results: The lab will send you a detailed report of the test results, including the levels of individual THMs and HAAs. Compare these levels to the EPA’s Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). The MCL for total THMs is 80 parts per billion (ppb), and the MCL for total HAAs is 60 ppb.

Even if your water meets the EPA standards, you might still want to reduce your exposure to chlorine byproducts, especially if you have sensitive skin or eczema. Here are some affordable and effective methods:

Shower Filters: These are a simple and cost-effective way to remove chlorine and chloramine from your shower water. Look for filters that use activated carbon or KDF media. Replace the filter cartridge regularly, as recommended by the manufacturer. A good option for Detroit residents is a filter specifically designed to remove chloramine, as Detroit uses both chlorine and chloramine for disinfection.
Faucet Filters: These filters attach directly to your kitchen or bathroom faucet and provide filtered water for drinking, cooking, and washing your face. Choose a filter that is certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for the reduction of THMs and HAAs.
Pitcher Filters: These are a convenient and affordable option for filtering drinking water. Look for pitchers that use activated carbon filters and are certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53.
Whole-House Filtration Systems: For the most comprehensive protection, consider installing a whole-house filtration system. These systems filter all the water entering your home, providing clean water for every tap and shower. Whole-house filters can be more expensive to install, but they offer the best long-term solution for reducing your exposure to chlorine byproducts and other contaminants. Look for systems that use a combination of sediment filters, activated carbon filters, and KDF media.

One common mistake people make is neglecting to replace their filter cartridges regularly. A saturated filter can actually increase the levels of contaminants in your water. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar to replace your filters on schedule.

Another pitfall is choosing a filter that isn’t certified to remove the specific contaminants you’re concerned about. Always look for filters that are certified to NSF/ANSI standards for the reduction of THMs and HAAs.

For Detroit residents, the age of your home’s plumbing can also be a factor. Older homes may have lead pipes, which can leach lead into the water. If you live in an older home, consider having your water tested for lead as well. DWSD offers free lead testing to residents.

Finally, remember that water quality can change over time. It’s a good idea to test your water periodically, especially if you notice any changes in taste, odor, or appearance.

Taking control of your water quality is an investment in your health and well-being. By testing your water and implementing appropriate filtration methods, you can minimize your exposure to chlorine byproducts and enjoy cleaner, healthier water in your Detroit home. Don’t just assume your water is safe; take the proactive steps to ensure it is. Your skin, and your family, will thank you.