Pentair Dry, Itchy Skin System

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Why Do Aesthetic Secondary Standards Differ From Health-Based Limits for Calcium and Magnesium?

Calcium and magnesium are minerals detected in groundwater, contributing to water "hardness." The federal government sets secondary standards for these minerals that relate mainly to taste, odor, and staining, not health. These aesthetic secondary standards guide concerns about water causing dry skin or soap inefficiency but do not imply health risks. In the N100GLCIAL aquifer of Connecticut, these minerals have been measured without exceeding any health-based limits.

What Do 'Detected,' 'Median,' and 'Range' Mean in the USGS Sampling Record for This Area?

The U.S. Geological Survey reports three samples taken from two shallow wells in the N100GLCIAL aquifer area, between September 2010 and June 2011. In these samples, calcium and magnesium were "detected" in all instances, meaning instruments measured their presence but this detection alone is not a problem. The reported median hardness is 16.6 mg/L, with a range from 14.0 to 17.8 mg/L. This range reflects natural variation across wells and time in this region but does not signal unsafe water.

How Does Seasonal or Multi-Year Variation Appear in the Groundwater Sampling Record?

The samples were collected over nearly one year, covering late 2010 through mid-2011. This timeframe captures some seasonal variation yet is limited in scope. The relatively narrow range between 14.0 and 17.8 mg/L suggests stable mineral levels in this shallow aquifer during that period. However, more extensive testing is needed to fully understand long-term trends or unusual spikes that might affect household water quality and dry skin symptoms.

What Should You Write Down Before Asking Anyone for Water Treatment Advice?

Before seeking treatment, note the following:

• The location and depth of your well or water source, if known.
• Any symptoms such as dry or itchy skin linked to water use.
• The history and type of failed water equipment currently on your property.
• Any existing water test results or utility water quality reports.

Having these details helps clarify whether water quality contributes to skin issues or if other factors play a role.

What Will a Certified Laboratory Test for Calcium and Magnesium Report and How Should You Read It?

A certified lab test of your household water quantifies calcium and magnesium concentrations, often reported in milligrams per liter (mg/L). Your actual water hardness can then be compared to regional data such as the samples from the N100GLCIAL aquifer. Remember that detecting minerals does not indicate unsafe water, but understanding their levels can explain water's impact on skin feel and soap effectiveness. Only such a test can establish your home's specific water conditions.

How to Judge Treatment Capacity Against Your Household's Daily Water Demand?

When considering a water treatment solution for dry skin caused by mineral content, assess your household's water use patterns. Knowing the average daily consumption helps select equipment appropriately sized to handle volume without frequent maintenance or underperformance. The Pentair Dry, Itchy Skin System ships ready to configure to match household demands, addressing mineral-related skin issues effectively based on actual water usage.

In summary, the essential step is arranging a certified laboratory water test focused on calcium and magnesium levels. This test will confirm whether these minerals contribute to dry skin symptoms in your specific water supply. If the mineral concentrations reflect those found in the N100GLCIAL aquifer USGS samples, using a dedicated water treatment like the Pentair Dry, Itchy Skin System may provide relief.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2011-06-29. 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 N100GLCIAL aquifer (FIPS 180): 3 results from 2 wells, median 16.6 mg/L, range 14.0-17.8 mg/L; none above any federal threshold