U.S. Geological Survey groundwater sampling in Suffolk city County's aquifer 217PTMC, covering 27 samples from six wells between 2010 and 2025, found calcium and magnesium levels ranging from 7.29 to 4980.0 mg/L with a median of 37.1 mg/L. None of these results exceeded any federal threshold.
Common Belief: Any Level Above Aesthetic Standards Indicates a Health Risk
The data shows calcium and magnesium, key contributors to water characteristics often linked to dry skin, are present but below regulatory health limits. It is important to understand that aesthetic secondary standards address taste, staining, and corrosion-related effects, not safety or health. Therefore, detecting these minerals above those secondary standards does not mean the water causes health issues.
Common Belief: Nearby Regions' Water Quality Provides a Reliable Comparison
While aquifer 217PTMC data provides insight into Suffolk city's groundwater conditions, adjacent counties may have different groundwater chemistry and sources affecting water quality. Comparing these datasets without considering geological and sampling differences can lead to misleading conclusions. Each area’s data is unique and should be evaluated on its own merits.
Common Belief: All Household Fixtures and Skin Issues Are Equally Affected
The minerals measured primarily affect hardness, which most commonly impacts water fixtures like faucets and water heaters before visibly affecting skin. Dry skin responses vary widely among individuals and depend on multiple factors including water contact duration and personal skin sensitivity.
Common Belief: A Certified Lab Test Only Reports Simple Hardness Numbers
A certified laboratory test for calcium and magnesium hardness will provide precise concentrations and total hardness expressed in mg/L. Interpreting these results requires understanding the local ranges and the difference between aesthetic and health standards. This test is essential for individualized assessment beyond area data.
Common Belief: Water Treatment Equipment Requires Frequent Attention
The Pentair Dry, Itchy Skin System ships ready to configure and requires routine maintenance on a schedule aligned with household water usage and hardness levels. This maintenance typically involves periodic checks to ensure the system’s performance in managing water mineral content that may contribute to dry skin symptoms.
Common Belief: Minerals in Groundwater Are Primarily from Surface Sources
Groundwater in Suffolk city County's aquifer 217PTMC acquires calcium and magnesium through natural geological processes as water passes through soil and rock layers. These naturally occurring minerals vary with depth and local geology, influencing water’s chemical profile delivered to homes.
To precisely determine the relationship between your household water and dry skin issues, order a certified laboratory test measuring calcium and magnesium hardness specific to your water source. A result near or below the Suffolk aquifer median generally indicates typical regional water mineral levels; values significantly beyond this would suggest further water management options, including considering the Pentair Dry, Itchy Skin System to address personal comfort needs.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2025-04-01. 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 217PTMC aquifer (Suffolk city County): 27 results from 6 wells, median 37.1 mg/L, range 7.29-4980.0 mg/L; none above any federal threshold
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