Fleck Dry, Itchy Skin System

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Scope and Size of Government Water Sampling in Kent County Aquifer

The U.S. Geological Survey collected water samples from 16 separate wells across Kent County, Delaware, focusing on aquifer groundwater. These 32 samples, taken between December 2014 and December 2019, show the range of mineral concentrations present in this underground water source. The samples were taken from wells 11 to 18 feet deep, providing a snapshot rather than a comprehensive survey of all wells in the area. Because the sample size is relatively small, individual wells may vary in mineral content. This means household residents should consider these data as regional indicators, not exact values for their own water supply.

Impact of Sampling Depth and Water Source on Expected Mineral Levels

The wells sampled are relatively shallow, between 11 and 18 feet deep. Private residential wells vary widely in depth, potentially drawing water with different mineral properties. Deeper wells can access different aquifers or water layers and may therefore have different mineral concentrations. This means the mineral content responsible for dry skin symptoms may differ between households even within Kent County. Knowing the depth and type of your water source can help anticipate what water characteristics to expect before testing your own supply.

First Fixtures and Processes Affected by Minerals Linked to Dry Skin

Mineral content in water, particularly calcium and magnesium compounds, can influence how water interacts with skin. Faucets, showers, and baths often reveal these effects first since direct contact with water occurs during washing. Minerals can cause dryness or irritation after bathing or handwashing. Other household processes using water, such as dishwashing or laundry, experience different effects, typically related to mineral buildup rather than skin sensation. Recognizing which household water uses show early signs of mineral effects helps prioritize treatment decisions.

Stepwise Evaluation: From Simple Home Checks to Laboratory Analysis

Residents concerned with dryness should first note water feel and observe any recurring skin dryness after exposure, while checking fixtures for mineral buildup or soap scum. Next, collecting a water sample for laboratory testing provides precise mineral concentrations in your own supply. This test specifically identifies levels of calcium and magnesium, which the government data show vary widely in the area. Testing helps differentiate if minerals are contributing to dry skin or if other factors need consideration.

Interpreting Laboratory Reports on Minerals Affecting Dry Skin

A certified laboratory report lists the concentrations of calcium and magnesium usually in milligrams per liter (mg/L). For Kent County groundwater, government samples show a median calcium plus magnesium level of 60.35 mg/L, ranging from about 11 to 284 mg/L. Reading your test results alongside these ranges provides perspective on whether your water falls within typical levels or toward the higher end where mineral effects on skin might be more noticeable.

Understanding Secondary Aesthetic Standards Versus Health-Based Limits

Calcium and magnesium are regulated under aesthetic secondary standards, which relate to taste, odor, staining, and minor corrosivity but are not health-based contamination limits. None of the sampled wells in Kent County exceeded federal health thresholds for these minerals. This means that while mineral levels can affect skin feel, they are not considered unsafe or in violation of drinking water laws. This distinction matters when choosing a water treatment approach aimed specifically at reducing dry skin symptoms, rather than addressing health risks.

In summary, the water quality record for Kent County’s aquifer, based on 32 samples from 16 wells, outlines a broad range of mineral levels at modest well depths. These data provide useful context for residents evaluating water treatment options for dry skin. To address personal water conditions accurately, laboratory testing of your own water is essential. The Fleck Dry, Itchy Skin System ships ready to configure and is designed to adjust water characteristics to help mitigate mineral-related dryness symptoms. For further details and the original data, visit the U.S. Geological Survey groundwater site covering Kent County aquifer samples.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2019-12-10. 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 aquifer (Kent County): 32 results from 16 wells, median 60.35 mg/L, range 10.8-284.0 mg/L; none above any federal threshold