Dry Skin Concern in Hampton County: What Local Groundwater Calcium and Magnesium Levels Reveal

You notice that your employees or customers experience dry skin, especially after routine water exposure at your commercial facility. This is common in many water systems and may relate to water hardness, specifically the levels of calcium and magnesium. In Hampton County, South Carolina, part of the 111SANDD aquifer system, groundwater sampling data provide insight into this factor.

What do 'detected,' 'median,' and 'range' mean in the Hampton County water sampling record?

According to U.S. Geological Survey groundwater sampling conducted from 2011 to 2018 on two wells in the Hampton County 111SANDD aquifer, calcium and magnesium were consistently detected in all three recorded results. The median concentration was 25.7 mg/L, with individual readings ranging from 5.46 mg/L to 28.9 mg/L. 'Detected' means the instruments measured calcium and magnesium; 'median' represents the middle value of these measurements, while 'range' shows the lowest and highest detected levels. These are area-wide observations, not a representation of any individual commercial water source.

How does seasonal or multi-year variation affect calcium and magnesium levels here?

The sampled data span nearly seven years, covering different seasons and conditions. The variation between 5.46 mg/L and 28.9 mg/L suggests that the concentrations of calcium and magnesium can fluctuate moderately over time in the aquifer. For operators, this means that hardness-related water characteristics can change slightly with seasonal shifts or longer-term trends.

What changes for commercial operators with larger or multi-location water use?

For large commercial facilities or those operating multiple properties, the average calcium and magnesium levels in the area can serve as a general baseline. However, because well depth, construction, and local geology vary, individual site water hardness may differ. Seasonal variation means testing individual water supplies regularly is necessary to anticipate changes that could impact skin dryness and water handling processes.

What does the measured range mean against federal standards, and what does it not mean?

None of the calcium or magnesium results in Hampton County’s 111SANDD aquifer exceeded federal thresholds. Importantly, this means these levels are within accepted limits, posing no health-based compliance concerns. While elevated hardness can affect water feel and contribute to dry skin through mineral residue, the values measured do not indicate unsafe water quality.

How do sample depth and well characteristics influence what to expect in water hardness?

The sampled wells in this data set were relatively shallow, just 17 feet deep. Shallow wells can show different mineral content compared to deeper wells, possibly resulting in less mineral buildup or hardness. Commercial operators should note that deeper wells or different aquifer zones may present different hardness profiles, which could impact the experience of dry skin among employees or clients.

How do calcium and magnesium enter groundwater in Hampton County?

Calcium and magnesium naturally dissolve from geological formations like limestone and dolomite common in this region, entering the 111SANDD aquifer over time. These minerals contribute to what is known as water hardness, a factor influencing water's feel on skin and cleaning efficacy in commercial operations.

What should commercial operators not conclude from this area data?

Area-wide data cannot specify the exact hardness or mineral content of your own water supply. While useful for a general understanding, only testing your own well or water source can determine precise calcium and magnesium levels and their contribution to dry skin issues. This data does not imply any health risk or a need to change water sources but helps clarify when commercial water treatment is worth considering.

How can commercial water treatment help with dry skin linked to hardness?

For commercial operators weighing treatment options, the 30 Fiberglass Tanks - Twin Unit Skid system offers a robust solution for managing water hardness. This commercial system skid ships ready to configure and can handle large water volumes, providing a scalable approach to reduce mineral levels that contribute to skin dryness. Using such a system can improve water feel and comfort for employees and customers without compromising compliance or water quality standards.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2018-07-10. 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 111SANDD aquifer (Hampton County): 3 results from 2 wells, median 25.7 mg/L, range 5.46-28.9 mg/L; none above any federal threshold