Dry Skin Concerns in Beaufort County: Understanding Local Water Characteristics from Aquifer 120FLRD

Seasonal and Multi-Year Variation in Water Composition

Hardness Levels Vary Between 89.9 and 180 mg/L

U.S. Geological Survey sampling from 2011 to 2018 across five wells in Beaufort County’s 120FLRD aquifer shows calcium and magnesium concentrations yielding a median hardness measurement of 103.15 mg/L with a range between 89.9 and 180 mg/L. These results represent groundwater depths from 100 to 210 feet. Variation over time and location means commercial operators might notice changes in water effects seasonally or year to year.

Consistent Detection Across Sampled Wells

All six samples detected hardness within the range, indicating that calcium and magnesium are stable constituents of this aquifer’s water throughout the sampled period. No sample fell below reporting limits, so this is a persistent water characteristic in this region.

Fixtures and Processes Most Vulnerable to Hardness Effects

Skin Contact Points Such as Wash Stations and Showers

Dry skin symptoms commonly appear first where water has extended skin contact, as calcium and magnesium ions can interact with soap and personal care products, potentially reducing their softening effect on skin. Staff areas where water is used extensively for washing can show early signs.

Water-Using Equipment Sensitive to Mineral Content

Commercial washers or heat exchangers might experience mineral buildup over time, indirectly affecting water feel and the experience of users, impacting skin comfort during routine cleaning processes.

Interpreting a Certified Laboratory Test for Calcium and Magnesium

Report Concentrations as mg/L or ppm

A certified lab test of water hardness reports the concentration of calcium and magnesium ions, typically expressed as mg/L. This figure helps quantify how much mineral content may be contributing to skin dryness.

Comparing Test Results to Regional Data

Operators should use certified test results from their own water source to determine actual hardness since regional data from the 120FLRD aquifer provide a sampling baseline but cannot specify an individual water supply's condition.

Distinguishing Hardness from Other Water Chemistry Causes of Dry Skin

Hardness Is Not a Health Violation or Safety Issue

The measurements in Beaufort County do not exceed any federal thresholds for calcium or magnesium. These minerals are not contaminants but natural constituents influencing water's physical quality and feel.

Dry Skin Is Different from Reactions to Chlorine or pH Imbalances

While chlorine and pH levels may also affect skin, the presence of calcium and magnesium hardness is a distinct factor requiring different management methods and should not be confused with those chemical characteristics.

How Commercial Water Softeners Address Hardness Effects

Ion Exchange Removes Calcium and Magnesium Ions

Commercial water softeners use ion exchange technology to replace calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions, reducing the mineral content responsible for water hardness and its associated dry skin effects.

Nelsen 210,000 Grain Skid-Mounted Commercial Water Softener

This water softener, with a capacity of 210,000 grains, ships ready to configure for commercial operations requiring large-volume hardness removal to mitigate dry skin issues linked to Beaufort County’s 120FLRD aquifer water characteristics.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2018-08-07. These figures describe groundwater sampled in this area. They are not a test of any individual private well - only a test of that well can establish its own water.

On record: U.S. Geological Survey sampling of Hardness, Ca, Mg in the 120FLRD aquifer (Beaufort County): 6 results from 5 wells, median 103.15 mg/L, range 89.9-180.0 mg/L; none above any federal threshold