Magnesium

GENERAL INFORMATION
Magnesium does not pose a health risk to humans. In fact, calcium and magnesium in your drinking water can help ensure you get the average daily requirements for these minerals in your diet.

AESTHETIC ADVISORY
Calcium and magnesium are commonly referred to as "hardness" in water. Hard water can cause mineral buildup on plumbing pipes and fixtures that can lead to lower water pressure and lower efficiency of electric water heaters; can cause build-up of deposits on dishes, utensils and laundry basins; and can cause soaps and detergents to perform poorly. It can also affect the taste of the water making drinks like coffee taste bitter.

Input units: 
mg/L
ppm
Contaminant group: 
Inorganic major constituent
Action is optional 1: 

ACTION IS OPTIONAL
Magnesium levels were detected in your water sample. There is currently no health-based standard for magnesium in drinking water. It is recommended that the hardness level of your water be evaluated to determine if the action should be considered.

Typical range in Ohio: 
10 - 60
Range qualifier: 
higher range values in northwestern Ohio bedrock aquifers
Major sources in drinking water: 
Erosion of earth materials
Treatment options: 

TREATMENT OPTIONS
Treat hard water by adding a water softener to laundry and the dishwasher or by installing an ion-exchange system to treat all of your household water. Ion exchange can increase the sodium content of the water, which may pose health concerns for your household.

Website resources: 

WATER RESOURCES

Fact sheets: 

FACT SHEETS