Common Misconceptions About Dry Skin and Water Quality
Dry skin is often attributed simply to environmental factors or personal care products. However, in commercial buildings where water is used extensively, the properties of the building's water supply can significantly influence skin moisture and comfort. It is important to understand that not all water-related dryness is due to contaminants or health risks but can be related to naturally occurring mineral content in the water.
Consequences of Untreated Water Mineral Content Over Time
When the natural mineral content in water, specifically calcium and magnesium, remains untreated in a commercial building’s water system for an extended period, it can lead to persistent dry skin issues among occupants. Over years, this discomfort can contribute to reduced skin elasticity and mild irritation. While not a health hazard, these effects impact comfort and employee or customer satisfaction in the building.
Influence of Sample Depth and Source on Water Mineral Expectations
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled groundwater in Shelby County’s 112TILL aquifer at depths around 60 feet. This type of sampling depth typically reflects the mineral content found in shallow to moderate-depth wells common in commercial water systems in the area. As a result, operators should anticipate mineral levels consistent with these measurements when assessing water quality for their buildings.
Distinguishing Dry Skin Causes from Other Water Issues
Dry skin related to water is often confused with problems caused by waterborne contaminants or chemical additives. It is important to differentiate between naturally high mineral content—primarily calcium and magnesium—and issues like chemical irritants or microbial contamination, which have different treatment requirements and health implications. Dry skin due to minerals is a comfort and aesthetic issue, not a safety concern.
Additional Considerations for Commercial Water Use
Unlike a single residential outlet, a commercial operator must treat water for an entire building volume. This requires equipment capable of handling higher flow rates and cumulative mineral loads to maintain consistent water quality across multiple fixtures and uses. Questions include capacity sizing, regeneration frequency, and integration into existing water systems, which differ significantly from residential water treatment needs.
Interpreting Shelby County Water Mineral Levels and Federal Standards
The median hardness reported by the U.S. Geological Survey for Shelby County’s aquifer 112TILL is 291 mg/L, with observed values ranging from 278 to 299 mg/L. All samples were below any federal threshold related to safety. This means the water mineral content does not pose a health risk but may influence water feel and skin condition. Importantly, these values are from regional sampling and do not replace testing at a specific building’s source.
Water Quality After Treatment with Commercial Water Softeners
Once treated through commercial water softening systems such as the Nelsen 210,000 Grain Skid-Mounted Commercial Water Softener, the calcium and magnesium ions responsible for water hardness are significantly reduced. This results in water that is gentler on skin, reducing dryness and irritation concerns for building occupants. Treated water also helps protect plumbing and fixtures from mineral buildup over time, improving maintenance outcomes.
In summary, the groundwater data for Shelby County's 112TILL aquifer reflect typical mineral concentrations at a 60-foot depth, which influence water characteristics in commercial properties. This information comes from three U.S. Geological Survey samples collected over a 14-year span and is available for review at the official USGS water data site.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2025-08-29. 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 112TILL aquifer (Shelby County): 3 results from 1 wells, median 291.0 mg/L, range 278.0-299.0 mg/L; none above any federal threshold