Belief: Plumbing Age and Materials Are the Main Cause of Faded Laundry
It is often assumed that discoloration or fading in laundry comes mostly from the pipes and fixtures in the home. While old or corroding plumbing can contribute particles or affect water chemistry locally, it is separate from the minerals present in the source water. In York County, ME, the bedrock aquifer provides the groundwater entering private wells, which is the true beginning of your home's water quality journey.
Belief: Public Water System Records Reflect All Local Water Conditions
Many rely on municipal water reports to understand local water quality. However, York County’s bedrock aquifer supplies many private wells whose water quality is not captured in public system data. The regional water data from the U.S. Geological Survey reflect measurements from six separate bedrock wells in the area, but these samples do not represent your own well's water. Only specific testing of your household supply can determine your exact water composition.
Belief: Water Quality Remains Constant Year-Round
The USGS samples in York County span from August to October of 2011 and show that levels of calcium and magnesium causing water hardness ranged broadly from 32.4 to 219.0 mg/L, with a median of about 120.5 mg/L. This variation within just six samples over a few months demonstrates that mineral levels in groundwater can fluctuate by season and location. Longer-term or repeated testing is necessary to understand any multi-year trends or cycles that may affect laundry fading over time.
Belief: Only Traditional Softening Equipment Can Address Mineral-Related Laundry Fading
The Pentair Faded, Stiff Laundry System is designed to mitigate issues related to mineral content identified in York County’s bedrock aquifer samples, particularly calcium and magnesium that cause hardness and contribute to fabric stiffness and color fading. This system ships ready to configure for your home water supply and targets these minerals effectively to improve laundry appearance without reliance on salt or other additives.
Belief: Local Geography Does Not Affect Mineral Presence in Water
Bedrock aquifers like that beneath York County carry minerals naturally derived from surrounding geology. Calcium and magnesium ions dissolve into groundwater by contact with limestone or dolomite rock formations. The USGS sampling, conducted at depths between 104 and 365 feet, highlights the natural variability in mineral content due to these geological processes rather than contamination or external pollution sources.
In summary, faded laundry in York County results from a combination of factors, including water mineral content measured in local bedrock aquifers, not simply plumbing age or public system data. Only testing your home’s water supply will reveal your specific conditions. The Pentair Faded, Stiff Laundry System provides a targeted, proven approach to reduce mineral effects and help maintain fabric quality over time.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2011-10-25. 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 BEDROCK aquifer (York County): 6 results from 6 wells, median 120.5 mg/L, range 32.4-219.0 mg/L; none above any federal threshold
- ✓ 90-Day Money-BackNo restocking fees — return within 90 days.
- ✓ Manufacturer WarrantyGenuine Fleck · Pentair · VIQUA equipment.
- ✓ Free Expert SizingTalk to a specialist and buy the right system the first time.