Government groundwater tests in San Juan County’s N300COPLTS aquifer show consistent detection of calcium and magnesium compounds, which relate to water hardness. The median hardness recorded is 1390 mg/L, with a range from 1110 to 3670 mg/L across seven wells sampled between 2019 and 2025. This data offers a regional snapshot that can inform why laundry colors may fade in homes here.
What do 'detected,' 'median,' and 'range' mean in the sampling record for San Juan County?
'Detected' means the test instruments measured calcium and magnesium in each sample taken; it does not indicate a violation or safety issue. The 'median' value of 1390 mg/L represents the middle value across all samples, signifying a central tendency of hardness levels. The 'range' shows the lowest and highest hardness values found (1110 to 3670 mg/L), reflecting variability between wells.
How many samples and wells stand behind the San Juan County hardness figures, and what does a limited sample size imply?
The hardness data comes from 37 results collected from seven different wells, all 38 to 45 feet deep. While this provides insight into regional water characteristics, individual household water may differ. Limited samples mean personal water testing is necessary for precise understanding.
How do seasonal or multi-year variations appear in this water quality record?
Sampling dates range from March 2019 to September 2025, reflecting measurements across multiple years and seasons. Although the range of hardness values indicates some variation, it does not specify seasonal trends. Changes over time appear moderate but should be examined through personal testing if laundry fading fluctuates seasonally.
What happens if faded laundry caused by water quality remains untreated over years?
Persistent exposure to hard water minerals can gradually dull fabric colors and affect texture, leading to laundry that looks older or worn prematurely. Effects accumulate slowly and can reduce satisfaction with cleaned clothing, though they do not pose safety concerns.
How can I compare San Juan County’s water record with a neighbouring county’s without overreading the data?
Comparisons should consider differences in aquifer composition, sample size, and collection depth. Variations in hardness figures between counties do not automatically indicate better or worse water quality at a household level. Each well and treatment need assessment based on localized testing.
How do sampling depth, well depth, or source type influence what I should expect in my household water?
The San Juan County data was collected from wells 38 to 45 feet deep. Water quality characteristics can change with well depth and source type, affecting hardness and mineral content. A household relying on a shallower or deeper well may see different results, underscoring the importance of direct water analysis.
For households identifying faded laundry as an ongoing concern, the C-Series Faded, Stiff Laundry System ships ready to configure and is designed to address challenges linked to water hardness levels consistent with those found in San Juan County’s aquifer. Measurement of your household water demand will guide appropriate use of this technology.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2025-09-18. 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 N300COPLTS aquifer (San Juan County): 37 results from 7 wells, median 1390.0 mg/L, range 1110.0-3670.0 mg/L; none above any federal threshold