1. What a Certified Laboratory Test for Calcium and Magnesium Reports and How to Read It
When a laboratory analyzes water for components related to laundry fading, the report typically lists concentrations of calcium and magnesium combined as hardness, expressed in milligrams per liter (mg/L). For Benton County’s aquifer 111ALVM, the U.S. Geological Survey sampled wells and recorded individual results for these minerals. The report shows the actual measured values, measured depths of wells, and dates of sampling, offering detailed data rather than generalized claims.
2. How Many Samples and Wells Stand Behind the Figures, and What a Small Sample Means
The data for Benton County’s aquifer 111ALVM come from four measurements taken across three different wells ranging in depth from 18 to 80 feet. While this sample size is relatively small, it reflects consistent monitoring over a multi-year period. The limited number reminds us that these are regional references, not a direct measure of any particular household’s water supply.
3. How Seasonal or Multi-Year Variation Shows in the Record (Dates and Ranges Given)
The samples span from June 22, 2011, to September 25, 2017, which helps capture possible variations in water composition over time. This range indicates that calcium and magnesium levels have remained within a generally stable band during these years, with no sudden shifts recorded within this aquifer. Seasonal changes in water hardness are not directly documented but can be inferred to be limited within this data span.
4. What 'Detected,' 'Median,' and 'Range' Mean in the Sampling Record on This Page
All four results detected measurable levels of calcium and magnesium, with no reports falling below detection limits. The median concentration was 253 mg/L, meaning half the results were above and half below this value, while the range varied between 191 and 289 mg/L. This spread shows some natural variation in mineral content but does not indicate unsafe levels. These measures provide context to understand regional water quality related to laundry fading concerns.
5. Why Aesthetic Secondary Standards Differ from Health-Based Limits, Applied to This Constituent
The detected calcium and magnesium concentrations are below any federal limits for health concerns. Instead, these minerals influence the water's hardness, affecting household laundry appearance and feel. High levels can cause fabric stiffness or color fading over time. Unlike health-based rules that focus on safety, aesthetic secondary standards guide expectations for water’s impact on taste, staining, and laundry quality. Exceeding these thresholds might prompt considering treatment options but does not imply health risk.
In cases where faded laundry results from regional water characteristics such as those documented here, testing your household water confirms personal conditions. For many Benton County households dealing with faded laundry after equipment failure, the Fleck Faded, Stiff Laundry System ships ready to configure and supports improved fabric appearance by addressing these measured mineral levels effectively.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2017-09-25. 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 111ALVM aquifer (Benton County): 4 results from 3 wells, median 253.0 mg/L, range 191.0-289.0 mg/L; none above any federal threshold
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