Reducing Chloride From Home Water Softeners

Chloride levels in many surface waters are increasing and pose an emerging environmental concern since elevated chloride levels are harmful to aquatic life. Numerous communities across the U.S. have observed surface waters with chloride water-quality impairments, and chloride levels in groundwater are also increasing, particularly in urban areas. A major source of chloride is water softening. In homes that have moderately to very hard water, many use water softeners. Water softeners remove minerals that cause scale buildup in pipes, appliances and water fixtures, and deposits on glassware. Ion-exchange water softeners use salt, usually sodium chloride, for recharging. In cities, the salty recharge