Understanding What a Certified Laboratory Test Reports for Water Hardness
In Camden County, NJ, groundwater sampled from aquifer 121CKKD shows calcium and magnesium levels measured as hardness, with 36 test results from 23 wells ranging from 0.78 to 149.0 mg/L and a median of 24.05 mg/L. These constituents influence water's interaction with detergents and fabrics, affecting laundry brightness and feel. A certified test will report total hardness in mg/L but does not indicate a safety issue in this area since no federal violations were found in these samples.
The Order to Rule Out Causes of Laundry Fading
Before considering water treatment, start by checking laundry product use and fabric care instructions. Verify water temperature settings and wash cycle appropriateness. Next, examine plumbing for deposits or discoloration that might affect water quality at the tap. Finally, conduct laboratory analysis of your water for calcium and magnesium levels, as these minerals can cause fabric stiffness and fading over time.
Information to Record Before Seeking Treatment Advice
Document the following: your water source type (e.g., well depth if known), any recent changes in water appearance or taste, the specific laundry issues observed (such as fading or stiffness), and results from any water tests, especially hardness data. Noting detergent brands and usage patterns can also help clarify if water composition is a primary factor.
Influence of Sample Depth and Well Type on Expected Water Characteristics
Wells sampled in this aquifer range from 14 to 150 feet deep. Water hardness can vary at different depths and between wells, so deeper wells might show different mineral profiles than shallow ones. This means your home's water hardness could differ from the median or range found in the area. Understanding your well’s depth assists in anticipating these variations.
Role of Plumbing Material and Age Aside from Source Water Quality
Plumbing materials and their condition can affect laundry outcomes independently of source water hardness. Older pipes may contribute to deposits or discoloration that reduce detergent effectiveness or cause fabric wear. Even with moderate hardness, pipe build-up can impact water quality as it reaches the washer, so consider the maintenance history of household plumbing when evaluating faded laundry causes.
Recommended Test to Determine if Water Treatment is Needed
For resolving faded laundry linked to water quality, order a comprehensive laboratory test specifically measuring calcium and magnesium concentrations in your household water supply. A result showing higher hardness than the Camden County median suggests that the Fleck Faded, Stiff Laundry System—which ships ready to configure—may offer effective mitigation by managing mineral content and improving fabric care results.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2023-08-15. 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 121CKKD aquifer (Camden County): 36 results from 23 wells, median 24.05 mg/L, range 0.78-149.0 mg/L; none above any federal threshold
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