What negative effects can result from the softening residue that is discharged into the river?
Water-softening residue (supernatant) can impact the pH of the river and can potentially harm the river’s natural ecosystem. • Is the province regulating increased diligence concerning water quality and/or the purity of water returning to our rivers? The province does not currently have regulations in place forbidding the release of water softening supernatant into the river. We do anticipate, however, that this practice will be prevented in the near future. In terms of water quality, water quality standards are increasing continually. We have to be prepared to address those increased standards.To assess customer response The City of Red Deer did not soften water during the winter of 2001/2002. • What feedback did The City get from customers? The City received about 10 more inquiries from residential customers than in previous years—from three or four inquiries to fifteen inquiries. Most of the concerns were related to increased residue in humidifiers and spotting on cutlery and glasse
