If you PCS'd to Joint Base Charleston this summer and settled in Carolina Groves, your water comes from Summerville CPW. That means Lake Moultrie surface water, chlorine disinfection, and approximately 7.2 grains per gallon hardness.
What military families should know
Carolina Groves is on the CPW grid, same as Nexton and Cane Bay. The hardness story is the same. The disinfection method is the same. If you came from Fort Liberty (Bragg), JBLM, or another installation with different water chemistry, the Lowcountry is a different sport.
JB Charleston BAH is ranked 9th nationally among joint bases, but the Charleston housing market has pushed many military families into Summerville and Berkeley County. Carolina Groves, Nexton, Cane Bay, and Carnes Crossroads are all common PCS landing spots.
The August timing matters
August is peak PCS arrival month. It's also peak humidity (81 percent) and peak shower-frequency season in Charleston. If your hair or skin changed within the first week, that's the hardness and chlorine combination doing what it does.
No-hassle test for milspouse households
I work with deployed-spouse households regularly. The test takes 45 minutes, I do it while you watch, and the consultation is no-obligation. Call (843) 302-5720 or text me a time that works around your schedule.