What environmental problems are caused by water softeners?
There is cause for concern with excess salt levels (brine) being discharged into the sewer system. Because sodium and potassium saturated water can harm fish and aquatic life, impact crops irrigated with water, and affect downstream users, water treatment plants are under strict guidelines regarding the levels of sodium and potassium they can discharge. Reducing these levels is extremely expensive and wasteful compounding our water shortage issues in the state. 25 communities in the state of California have banned the use of water softeners. Governor Schwarzenegger signed a bill in late 2008 allowing cities in the state to consider the ban due to environmental concerns. http://www.sacbee.com/111/story/1146604.html Sodium or potassium pellets have to be continually be replaced When owning a water softener, a burden that is placed on the home owner is to continually replenish the sodium or potassium. Salt can be purchased at the grocery store but then it has to be taken home and dumped i
