MWQA Participating in Softener Optimization Program
MWQA and Fortin Consulting (part of Bolton & Menk) have received a grant to reduce chloride discharge from water softeners. Any dealers that have customers in Avon, Altura or Medina, please contact MWQA for more details on how you can participate in the program. The purpose of this grant is to reduce chloride discharge in Minnesota by optimizing or upgrading water softeners. Dealers will be asked to evaluate softener systems and make recommendations to optimize or upgrade to a more salt-efficient system.
Dealers may bid on replacement or upgrades. The grant will pay $100 – $300 per service call, and a large percentage of replacement or upgrade work on systems.
Contact MWQA at info@mwqa.com if you are interested.
| This project is made possible through funding from the Clean Water Land & Legacy Amendment administered by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. |
Statewide Chloride Resources
According to a January 2019 report published by the University of Minnesota Water Resources Center, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and University of Minnesota Dept. of Civil, Environmental and Geo-Engineering, high chloride levels in surface water and groundwater are an emerging concern in Minnesota, as they can negatively impact aquatic and plant life. Previous research has shown that road salt is a major source of chloride, particularly in urban areas. Chloride discharge from water softener use is considered another major source, although the report indicates that increasing efficiency of water softeners could be a viable strategy to manage chloride levels in wastewater and receiving waters.
Communities are starting to take notice of chloride discharge in order to become compliant with the Safe Drinking Water Act. Communities are applying for grants through the Drinking Water Revolving Fund to upgrade, replace water treatment plants. Many communities are telling residents that treatment plant renovations will result in soft water; some are urging residents to disconnect home softeners.
So just what is soft water? Instead of having a high concentration of magnesium and calcium like hard water does, soft water has a lower level of these elements, but a higher concentration of sodium. Soft water is defined by the national Water Quality Association as grains per gallon (gpg) in the table below. If you live in a community that advertises “soft” water at the tap, ask what the hardness level is and determine whether the result is as good as you would achieve with a water softener in the home.
What can consumers do? Have your water conditioning dealer discuss options with you – optimizing your softener is a good place to start. Upgrade to a high efficiency softener that only regenerates when needed. Make sure your softener is working at peak performance so you are not wasting salt or water. By making a few small adjustments in your home, you can have a large impact on Minnesota lakes and rivers. Make sure you understand what the definition of soft water is, and whether you will be satisfied with your water if your community urges you to disconnect your softener.
Statewide Chloride Resources
The State of Minnesota, through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, has several resources about chloride and its effects on the environment available to citizens and community leaders. Check out the MPCA’s Chloride Resources page for information about road salt, softeners, agricultural discharge and other sources of chloride.
Communities Urged To Develop Water Softening Rebate Program
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has published a guide to developing a Water Softener Rebate Program, which encourages consumers to replace their outdated softeners with efficient, on-demand softeners. The MPCA’s program stresses the benefits of newer technology, namely, the reduction in the amount of salt used and a reduction in chloride discharge. MPCA’s program is detailed on their website, and the report also includes examples of successful softener rebate programs already in existence.