Nelsen 120,000 Grain Metered Commercial Water Softener

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San Juan County Aquifer and Water Delivery to Commercial Buildings

Commercial water in San Juan County often originates from groundwater wells tapping the local aquifer at depths between 37 and 101 feet. Government sampling has found that water from this aquifer contains measurable amounts of calcium and magnesium, with a median hardness concentration of 1120 mg/L, based on data collected from 11 samples across 8 wells during 2024-2025. This hardness reflects the combined presence of calcium and magnesium ions, which influence water characteristics as it travels through plumbing and reaches commercial taps.

The Influence of Plumbing Material and Age on Dry Skin Concerns

Beyond water source quality, the materials and age of plumbing systems in commercial buildings significantly impact water quality and skin effects. Older plumbing with certain metal pipes or deteriorated coatings may contribute to mineral interactions or leaching that can exacerbate skin dryness. These plumbing factors act independently of the aquifer hardness but can compound the overall effect on water as it reaches users.

Differentiating Dry Skin from Similar Water-Related Problems

Dry skin resulting from water characteristics should not be confused with irritation caused by soaps, detergents, or environmental conditions. Unlike conditions stemming from harsh chemicals or allergens, water-related dry skin often correlates with mineral content and water interaction with the skin's moisture barrier. Testing for waterborne irritants or pathogens is not part of this specific evaluation but may be considered separately if indicated.

Diagnosing the Cause: Stepwise Testing and Evaluation

Commercial operators should begin by examining plumbing materials and maintenance history to identify potential sources of water alteration. Next, basic water hardness tests can establish if mineral concentration aligns with regional aquifer data. For definitive analysis, laboratory testing of water samples from the facility’s taps is recommended to characterize the exact mineral levels affecting the water. This approach ensures treatment decisions are based on the actual water used throughout the entire building, not solely on regional data.

Long-Term Effects of Untreated Hard Water on Commercial Water Systems

Over years, untreated water with elevated calcium and magnesium can lead to scale buildup inside pipes and fixtures, which impacts water flow and overall system efficiency. This scale can also reduce the skin’s natural moisture retention, contributing to ongoing dryness among building occupants. While no health-based limits are exceeded by the measured hardness in San Juan County's aquifer, these aesthetic and operational concerns justify proactive water management.

Water Characteristics After Using the Nelsen 120,000 Grain Metered Commercial Water Softener

The Nelsen 120,000 Grain Metered Commercial Water Softener is designed to address high mineral hardness in whole-building water supplies. Once configured, it reduces calcium and magnesium concentrations, resulting in softer water throughout the commercial facility. This softening effect helps preserve plumbing integrity and mitigates the dryness some users experience, improving comfort without compromising safety. The equipment ships ready to configure for integration with existing water systems.

In summary, San Juan County's aquifer hardness data provide useful contextual insight but cannot replace direct water testing at your facility. Considering plumbing characteristics and following a clear diagnostic path will lead to a well-informed treatment choice, such as implementing the Nelsen commercial softening solution to improve water quality and user comfort.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2025-09-19. 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 aquifer (San Juan County): 11 results from 8 wells, median 1120.0 mg/L, range 449.0-1560.0 mg/L; none above any federal threshold