Why are water softeners being banned in Texas?

Salt-based water softeners have been at the forefront of hard water treatment solutions for 30+ years. As we evolve, our policies and awareness towards environmental conservation evolve with us. In recent years, a solution for environmental impacts, caused by salt-based softeners has become a global priority.

Environmental Impact of Water Softeners

While added salt may not be a detriment to the health of a generally healthy household, the salt that is then discharged from one’s home/business into freshwater streams, rivers and aquifers are causing serious damage to our water supplies and aquatic life.  In addition, most city wastewater facilities do not have systems in place to remove the added salt from the water during the treatment process. Because agriculture depends on repurposed water coming from wastewater facilities, the water supplied to farmlands are thus supersaturated with the added sodium, damaging crop yields.

Texas Salt Water Softener Regulations

In 2001 Texas issued a statewide water softener ban. This law was amended in 2003 to allow water softeners in homes and businesses as long as particular conditions were met. Water softeners must conserve water by regenerating on demand and be clearly labeled as being equipped with a Demand-Initiated Regeneration (DIR) device.  Point of entry reverse osmosis systems must not cause hydraulic overloading.

The main focus behind the state bans is to protect damage to septic systems and municipal wastewater facilities. High concentrations of sodium discharged into septic tanks harm the beneficial microbes, which affects its ability to break down solids.