Water Softener Use Raises Questions for System Owners

Winter 2001 Vol. 12, No. 1

SM A L A L L N F L O I O

T W

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C L E E S A U Pipeline R IN G H O Small Community Wastewater Issues Explained to the Public Water Softener Use Raises Questions for System Owners

arts of the U.S. have Regenerating the unit uses a Unfortunately, experts don’t all what is commonly large quantity of sodium-rich water, agree on the answers to these ques- referred to as “hard called “brine,” that must be disposed tions. Research has been done that P water,” and people who of. In homes with onsite septic sys- resulted in acceptable conclusions to live in these areas battle tems, this brine flows into the septic many people in the industry, but the problems that hard water creates. tank and eventually makes its way to some authorities believe that more The most common defense against the system’s drainfield. studies are needed to determine what hard water, which is a nuisance but People using home water soften- impact, if any, brine has in a septic not a health hazard, is to install a ers often wonder whether these units system. home water softener. might cause problems for their onsite Because of these differences of Water softening involves septic systems. Some common ques- opinion, this Pipeline issue is unlike exchanging calcium and magnesium tions consumers ask are: most others. Ordinarily we offer minerals present in the water—which • Do water softeners hurt the bacteria information that gives readers con- cause the hardness—with sodium. As that work in a septic tank? crete answers. But because water the water softener processes gallon • Does the additional amount of softener brine disposal remains after gallon of hard water on a daily water from water softener regener- somewhat controversial, Pipeline basis, the treatment capability of the ation affect a septic system’s per- will provide opinions on the research softener becomes depleted and must formance? that has been done to date. be recharged or regenerated. (The • Does the concentrated salt water We know people want informa- complete water softening process is used in regeneration decrease the tion about this subject. At this point, explained beginning on page 2.) drainfield’s ability to absorb waste- our mission is to help readers water? become better educated consumers Figure 1 so that they can make informed deci- sions when trying to resolve their hard water problems. Some steps Water Softener Basics that homeowners can take to mini- mize their concerns about the safe Water Supply (hard) Water to House (soft) operation of their onsite sewage systems are included. Timer-and-Valve Assembly Readers are encouraged to reprint this issue or any Pipeline articles in flyers, newspapers, newslet- Drain ters, or educational presentations. Please include the name and phone number of the National Small Flows Mineral Tank Brine Tank Clearinghouse (NSFC) on the reprinted information and send us a Outlet Manifold Salt copy for our files. If you have questions about reprinting articles or about the topics Resin Beads Float-and-Valv discussed in the newsletter, please Assembly contact the NSFC at (800) 624-8301 or (304) 293-4191.

Adapted from Popular Mechanics, August 1998 Water Softeners What makes water hard? And how does it become soft? As water flows through layers of ric, leaving clothes dull. Hard water mechanical appliance plumbed rock underground, it picks up loose spots appear on everything that is directly into the home’s water sup- particles and dissolves minerals from washed in and around the home— ply intake. (See figure 1 on page 1.) its surroundings. Because of this from dishes and silverware to the The water softener exchanges calci- characteristic and the kind of rock family car. um and magnesium with sodium in a common in many aquifers, calcium Hard water not only affects process called ion exchange. and magnesium minerals are fre- household cleaning, but the minerals The water softening system con- quently found in household water. also can build up on the inside of sists of a mineral tank and a brine Water with substantial amounts of pipes in the plumbing system. And in tank. The water supply pipe is con- calcium and magnesium is referred water heaters, the minerals settle on nected to the mineral tank so that to as “hard water.” the heating element, the walls of the water coming into the house must Hard water minerals reduce tank, in the hot water pipes, and in pass through the tank before it can water’s ability to function effectively faucets where they produce a scale be used. in our homes. For instance, bath soap (similar to the original rock) that The mineral tank holds small combines with the minerals and reduces the efficiency and life of the beads (also known as resin) that forms a pasty scum that accumulates hot water system. carry a negative electrical charge. on bathtubs and sinks. Homeowners The positively charged calcium and must use more soap and detergent in Water Softeners Make Water magnesium (called ions) are attract- washing, so expense for these prod- Work Better ed to the negatively charged beads. ucts increases. Water softeners combat this nui- This attraction makes the minerals These minerals also combine sance by eliminating the minerals stick to the beads as the hard water with soap in the laundry, and the that cause hard water. The most com- passes through the mineral tank. residue doesn’t rinse well from fab- mon kind of water softener is a (See figure 3 on page 3.) continued on next page Home septic systems Knowing how a septic system EPTIC T NK works helps homeowners understand Conventional Septic Tank why adding something like water sof- Inspection Ports tener regeneration brine may cause Manhole From House To Additional Treatme problems. and/or Dispersal A conventional septic system Scum consists of a septic tank, a distribution Inlet Tee box, and a drainfield, all connected by Effluent Outlet Effluent Filter (Optional) pipes. When wastewater flows from Tee the house, it is temporarily held in the septic tank where heavy solids Sludge (sludge) settle to the bottom. Lighter Single Compartment Septic Tank materials float on the surface of the water in the tank and are called the scum layer. This separation is known box. The distribution box evenly sepa- lates in the bottom of the tank and its as primary treatment. rates the flow into a network of drain- level rises, new wastewater coming The solids that collect in the bot- field pipes. Each pipe has holes in its from the house has less time for sus- tom of the tank and the materials that underside that allow the water to drain pended particles to settle into the float in the scum layer are partially into gravel-filled trenches. The water sludge layer. These suspended parti- decomposed with the help of bacteria slowly seeps into the soil beneath the cles can flow into the absorption field. that occur naturally in human waste. trenches where it is further treated. The septic tank must be pumped The liquid between the solids and the This process is called secondary treat- out periodically to remove the accu- scum flows out of the tank through a ment. mulated sludge and scum and to pre- baffle (or a tee) and into a distribution Important note: As sludge accumu- vent clogging the drainfield.

2 PIPELINE – Winter 2001; Vol.12, No. 1 National Small Flows Clearinghouse (800) 624-8301 or (304) 293-4191 Water Softeners

continued from previous page Figure 2 Eventually the surfaces of the beads in the mineral tank become Water Softener Regeneration Water To coated with the calcium and magne- Supply House sium minerals. To clean the beads, a strong sodium (salt) solution held in Backwash Recharge Rinse the brine tank is flushed through the mineral tank. Sodium ions also have a positive electrical charge, just not

quite as strong as that of calcium and Drain magnesium. This large volume of sodium ions overpowers the calcium and magnesium ions and drives them off of the beads and into the solu- Mineral Brine tion. The sodium solution carrying Tank Tank the minerals is then drained out of the unit. Some sodium ions remain Adapted from Popular Mechanics, August 1998 in the tank attached to the surfaces of the mineral tank, the calcium and the beads. magnesium ions change places with Reducing The Softening Process the sodium ions on the resin. The displaced sodium ions remain dis- regeneration The normal water softening solved in the water. cycle operates like this: brine flow Hard water enters the mineral tank. Inside the tank, the calcium and •Install a water softener whose magnesium ions carried in the water backwash/regeneration cycle is attach themselves to the beads. The Figure 3 based on need, not on a timer. surfaces of the beads eventually hold A water softener operated by a their limit of calcium and magne- time clock regenerates the miner- sium and can’t remove any more al tank on a regular schedule, from the water. At this point the Calcium regardless of how much water and water softener must be “regenerated.” Magnesium has been used. A softening unit (See figure 2 this page.) The three- Ions in that is regulated by a flow detec- Untreated step regeneration cycle can be sched- Water tion meter measures the amount uled according to a timer or by a of water that has been used and flow detection meter. regenerates the water softener The first step, called the back- accordingly. These units can wash phase, reverses the water’s cost $100 to $450 more than Sodium flow and flushes any accumulated Ions timer-regulated water softeners. dirt particles out of the tank and on beads down the drain. Next, in the regener- • Buy a water softener with a large ation or recharge phase, the sodium- mineral tank. The larger tank rich brine solution flows from the may cost more initially, but it will brine tank into and through the min- not have to be recharged as fre- eral tank. The brine washes the calci- Calcium quently as a smaller tank. um and magnesium off the beads. In and Magnesium the final phase, the mineral tank is Ions • Be more conservative with on beads flushed of the excess brine, which household water use. Less now also holds the calcium and mag- water used in the home means nesium, and the solution is disposed that less water will be measured of down the drain. going through the softener Sodium ions from the previous Sodium process; therefore, a unit with Ions in regeneration cycle cling to the beads. Treated a flow detection meter won’t have Now when the hard water flows into Water to regenerate as often.

PIPELINE – Winter 2001; Vol.12, No. 1 National Small Flows Clearinghouse (800) 624-8301 or (304) 293-4191 Water Softeners

softener regeneration and other causes some soil particles to swell, Researchers Look household products flow into the thereby reducing water’s ability to tank, the bacteria could be affected. seep readily through the soil. for Answers If the bacteria are negatively affect- Researchers found that the water sof- ed, the system might not operate at tener regeneration brine did not its full potential, and some of the reduce the percolation rate of water The Water Quality Research solids might not fully decompose. in the absorption field of a normally Council and the Water Quality operating septic system. This conclu- Association (WQA) supported two Research Results sion was reached because the brine studies in the late 1970s: one by the Researchers from NSF found contains sodium, but it also includes National Sanitation Foundation (NSF that brine wastes had no negative significant amounts of calcium and International) in Ann Arbor, effects on the bacterial population magnesium. The calcium in the brine Michigan, and the other conducted living in the aerobic treatment tank, acts similarly to gypsum, a calcium- by the Small Scale Waste even when the system was loaded rich substance routinely used to Management Project (SSWMP) at with twice the normal amount of increase the porosity of clay soils in the University of Wisconsin in brine. The tests determined that agriculture. The research report stated Madison. Both studies compared the water softener wastes actually help that calcium, therefore, helps coun- performance of home sewage treat- with treatment processes. WQA’s teract any negative effects of the ment systems with and without final report states that the wastewater sodium. added water softener brine. has “a beneficial influence on a sep- Most manufacturers and many The two studies were designed tic tank system by stimulating bio- industry experts agree with the to help answer questions consumers logical action in the septic tank and WQA’s position. ask about their water softeners. The caused no operational problems in SSWMP research sought to deter- the typical anaerobic or the new aer- mine if a water softener’s brine obic septic tanks.” In other words, affects a drainfield’s ability to absorb the researchers in this wastewater. NSF investigated study found that whether the influx of brine from a microorganisms living water softener’s regeneration phase and working in affects the processes that occur in a a home aerobic sewage treatment tank. Researchers treatment sys- also wanted to find out if the addi- tem are not harmed tional water discharged during back- by water softener wash and regeneration (up to an salts. extra 50 gallons) plus that water’s Researchers also found flow rate into the septic tank inter- that the additional amount of fere with the settling and floatation water discharged to a treat- processes. ment tank during the regenera- NSF’s researchers used individ- tion process had no negative ual aerobic wastewater treatment impact. The question con- units to study possible effects the cerned whether the volume and flow brine might have on treatment rate of the regeneration brine might processes in the tank. (See the Winter overload the system and cause carry- 1996 Pipeline for details about aero- over of solids into the drainfield. The Some Experts Don’t Agree bic treatment units.) The normal study found that the volume of water As with most scientific research, performance of both septic tanks and discharged was comparable to or less these two studies answered each of aerobic tanks depends on the pres- than that from many automatic wash- the proposed questions under the spe- ence of active bacteria living in the ing machines and other household cific conditions of the research proj- system. These bacteria help break appliances. Researchers also found ect. Because other variables exist that down the solids in the wastewater. that the wastewater flowed into the weren’t part of the study’s setup (e.g., An aerobic treatment system treatment tank slowly enough so that problems that might occur because of uses bacteria that require oxygen to it caused minimal disturbance. a poorly functioning home water live; whereas, an anaerobic system, The study at the University of softening unit) some people feel that such as a conventional septic tank, Wisconsin-Madison examined more research needs to be done to treats wastewater by using bacteria whether regeneration brine affected completely resolve the disputed that thrive in conditions lacking air. the soil in a septic system’s drain- issues. If high doses of sodium from water field. This research was prompted by The NSF study, for example, 4 the common knowledge that sodium used an aerobic treatment tank rather

PIPELINE – Winter 2001; Vol.12, No. 1 National Small Flows Clearinghouse (800) 624-8301 or (304) 293-4191 Water Softeners

than an anaerobic tank (a conven- Terry Bounds, an engineer and tional septic tank). Conventional sep- respected expert in the wastewater tic systems are much more common industry, also would like to see more than aerobic treatment units. An aer- research done before any conclusive obic system often has a pretreatment statements are made about the effects tank to settle out much of the solids. of water softener regeneration brines Aerobic systems require air to be in septic systems. In the summer injected into the tank to support the 1994 issue of Small Flows (the pre- CONTACTS growth of the suspended aerobic bac- cursor of the Small Flows Quarterly teria that digest solids in the waste- magazine) Bounds stated that in his water. The wastewater in the tank is work he has seen noticeable differ- National Small Flows constantly stirred to mix in the air. ences between septic tanks with and Clearinghouse (NSFC) On the other hand, a convention- without water softener brine dis- The NSFC offers a variety of al septic tank separates solids from charges in septic tank effluent pump technical assistance and free and wastewater by settling. In a properly (STEP) systems (an alternative low-cost information and materials functioning conventional system, wastewater collection and treatment about wastewater technologies most of the solids sink to the bottom method) and in conventional sys- for small communities. Just a few of the tank leaving the liquid portion tems. Bounds said that in the tanks of the NSFC’s many resources and services are mentioned in this relatively clear. The anaerobic bacte- with added water softener discharge, newsletter. Call the NSFC at (800) ria do their work without the waste- he saw reduced scum layer develop- 624-8301 or (304) 293-4191 or water in the tank being agitated. ment, carryover of solids and grease visit our Web site at www.nsfc. Would the same results have to the pressure sewer collection sys- wvu.edu for more information. been found if a conventional septic tem, and a less distinguishable “clear tank had been used? National Small zone” that might mean solids remain Water Quality Association Flows Clearinghouse Senior suspended instead of settling in the The Water Quality Association Engineering Scientist David Pask tank. (WQA) is the international trade remains skeptical. He tells of resi- Today, Bounds contends that association representing the dential drainfield failures that he has research has focused on water soften- household, commercial, industrial, seen where the distribution pipes er discharge of regeneration brine and small community water treatment industry. WQA is a were plugged with “a noxious under ideal conditions. Water soften- resource of information, product fibrous mass” that, under microscop- ers that malfunction or are not used testing, and professional certifica- ic inspection, appeared to be made correctly (i.e., timed to regenerate tion for all water users. Contact up of grease and cellulose fibers— too frequently) may cause septic sys- the WQA at (630) 505-0160 or identical to fibers from toilet paper. tem problems. visit their Web site at www.wqa. Pask said the homes all had ion “Our experience with regard to org. exchange water softeners connected the operation and maintenance of to their water supplies, and softener systems that discharge water softener NSF International brine discharged into each home’s backwash to septic tanks is that it has (formerly called the National septic system. His discussion of the a detrimental effect on the effluent Sanitation Foundation) situation with colleagues led him to that is discharged,” Bounds said. “As question if the sodium in the “plug a researcher, I believe that when ‘all’ NSF International is a private, nonprofit organization devoted to flow” of brine might cause metabolic the variables and processes are eval- research, education, service, and shock to the bacteria in the septic uated and monitored, measured per- training. NSF tests and publishes tank. This shock could cause the bac- formance and science will share standards for products related to teria to be less able to digest the cel- close results. So far, I have seen no public health and the environ- lulose fibers, which then might be research that compares to typical ment. Contact them at (800) 673- carried over into a septic system’s environmental engineering sciences 6275 or visit their Web site at www.nsf.org. drainfield. in anaerobic digesters. Most of the “I still believe that the case for reports that I’ve seen suggest that discharge of softener wash to the this research still needs to be done.” septic tank is unproven and that some research is justified,” Pask said. “As for research needs . . . I Thank You! would add to the list the effects of plug flow of brine on the digestion of Thank you to all who responded to Pipeline’s readership survey. Your cellulose and scum components in a answers, observations, and suggestions will help determine how we can best standard septic tank.” serve you in the future. Michelle Moore, Editor 5

PIPELINE – Winter 2001; Vol.12, No. 1 National Small Flows Clearinghouse (800) 624-8301 or (304) 293-4191 Water Softeners

An Alternative to Softening with Sodium

If you are concerned about water softening brine and its possible effects on your septic system (and the environment), an alternative “Sodium really has no redeeming value chemical can be used. Potassium in the environment outside of saltwater or chloride is as effective as sodium chloride for water softening in both brackish water ecosystems. If alternatives residential and commercial processes. to sodium chloride for water treatment can Plus, using potassium chloride has be developed, they should be used. several benefits: it reduces the amount of sodium in drinking water; Potassium chloride is a logical choice to the treated water contributes potassi- reduce sodium discharge from water soft- um to people’s diets; and it elimi- ening systems, to provide additional potas- nates the addition of sodium from water softeners into a household’s sium in human diets, and to serve as a septic system tank and drainfield. nutrient source for plants.” Potassium chloride works exactly From “Potassium Chloride: Alternative Regenerant for Softening the same way that sodium does in Water” by Dr. Kim Polizotto and Dr. Charles Harms the water softening process. The mineral tank is flushed with potassium (instead of sodium) from the brine tank to coat the resin beads. With its positive electrical charge, the potassium clings to the negatively sodium can damage plant tissues. These researchers also tell of charged resin beads in the tank. As Because sodium is replaced by other towns that want to develop hard water passes through the soften- potassium, this diluted wastewater is secondary markets for their waste- er’s mineral tank, the calcium and beneficial to a grass-covered drain- water, such as selling it to farmers magnesium in the water change field. for irrigation purposes. Because places with the potassium on the Wastewater from water softeners sodium may harm some plants’ beads. that use potassium chloride in their growth, wastewater from treatment The treated water now has a regeneration brine can be recycled to plants might not be marketable if small amount of potassium in it. The irrigate agricultural land. An article sodium chloride is the predominant mineral tank will eventually need to titled “Potassium Chloride . . . salt used for water conditioning in be regenerated when most of the Alternative Regenerant for Softening the community. potassium adhering to the resin Water,” written by Dr. Kim Polizotto Cost may be the only drawback beads has been exchanged for the and Dr. Charles Harms for the in switching from the standard sodi- calcium and magnesium carried in Potash and Phosphate Institute’s um chloride used in most water sof- the water. Better Crops with Plant Food (Fall teners to potassium chloride. Both The regeneration process flushes 1993), suggests using potassium in can be found in most retail home the mineral tank with a potassium water softening units and then recy- improvement centers, but the potas- chloride solution that drives the cal- cling the diluted wastewater as an sium chloride can cost up to twice as cium and magnesium minerals off alternative to disposing of it. much (even more on the West the resin beads. The excess potassi- Polizotto and Harms mention Coast) as the sodium chloride. The um-, calcium-, and magnesium-rich that several cities in California, average price of sodium chloride (in water in the tank is then discharged Florida, and Michigan have called the East) is around $4 for a 40- into the home’s drain pipes and into upon the water softener industry to pound bag, and potassium chloride the septic system. help reduce sodium and chloride dis- costs approximately $9 for 40 The regeneration brine mixes charge into municipal sewage treat- pounds. However, consumer group with the standing water in the tank, ment facilities. Reduction of these studies show that, for many potential then eventually flows into the sys- chemicals is necessary to meet dis- users, the health and environmental tem’s drainfield. Potassium is an charge standards set to decrease benefits of potassium chloride out- essential mineral for plants; whereas, groundwater pollution in those com- weigh the price difference. munities. 6

PIPELINE – Winter 2001; Vol.12, No. 1 National Small Flows Clearinghouse (800) 624-8301 or (304) 293-4191 Water Softeners

Priddis Greens Golf Course Case Study

resulting in excess sodium being discharged; and • using timers instead of demand- initiated regeneration. The service management of Priddis Greens decided to remove all the water softeners from the individual homes in the golf community. Instead, a central softening system at their water utility plant would supply residents and the club house with soft water. And with the change to a central softening system, Priddis Greens began softening their water with potassium chloride instead of Photo courtesy of Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club sodium chloride. Soil and water samples were One of Canada’s premier golf The golf course superintendent taken before the switch to potassium courses, Priddis Greens Golf and checked a water analysis from the chloride and again three years after Country Club near Calgary, Alberta, pond and found a high proportion of the change. These tests showed a was having trouble keeping its north sodium in the water, 376 milligrams decline in sodium content in the irri- course greens up to par. The grass per liter (mg/L). In contrast, well gation water from the treatment growing on this nine-hole stretch of water on the property had a sodium plant, as well as in the water from the golf course just wasn’t growing content of 35 mg/L. The superintend- the well on the golf course property. as well as the turf on the rest of the ent suspected that sodium discharge (See figure 4.) The sodium content in property. from residential water softeners caused the softened water dropped slightly The water supply for the golf the sodium problem in the irrigation also, indicating that the potassium on community comes from nearby water, which in turn caused the prob- the resin of the softening system was Priddis Creek and from an aquifer- lems with the north course’s turf. removing some sodium from the fed well on the property. Some of the Priddis Greens maintains a coop- well water. greens also are irrigated from a 7.2 erative service arrangement between Ultimately, the change from the million-gallon holding pond located the residents and the golf course, and less efficient residential water softeners at the golf course. It was discovered they knew the quality of the irriga- to a central softening system, plus that the poorly growing grass on the tion water had to improve. They the switch from sodium chloride to north course was being watered from decided that individual water soften- potassium chloride, helped this golf this pond. ing units in the golf community’s community. People living in the The holding pond contains recy- homes significantly added to the community—and the grass growing cled water collected from the 116 buildup of sodium in the recycled on the north course—had less salt homes bordering the golf course. water due to these factors: added to their diets, which is benefi- The golf community’s small sewage • using older, inefficient water sof- cial to both. And since potassium is a treatment plant upgrades the quality tener models; major plant nutrient, the golf course of the residential wastewater to a • setting softeners to regenerate greens now receive additional potas- standard that is suitable for irrigation. more frequently than necessary; sium when they are irrigated with Figure 4 the recycled water from the homes. This nutrient contribution has subse- Analysis of Irrigation Water for Priddis Greens’ North Course quently reduced the golf course’s Component (mg/L) Before KCl After KCl Surface Water fertilizer program cost. Chlorine 486 68 33 Sodium 376 66 14 Information taken from “Priddis Potassium 35 107 12 Greens Golf and Country Club Recycled Calcium 81 42 74 Water Irrigation Research Project” pre- sented at the Pacific Water Quality Magnesium 28 11 22 Association mid-year conference, May Total dissolved solids 1586 738 475 2000. (KCl=Potassium chloride) 7

PIPELINE – Winter 2001; Vol.12, No. 1 National Small Flows Clearinghouse (800) 624-8301 or (304) 293-4191 RESOURCES AVAILABLEMOUND SYSTEMS FROM NSFC To order any of the following prod- tion is harmful to bacteria in septic Your Septic System: A Reference ucts, call the National Small Flows tanks and if the brine reduces the Guide for Homeowners Clearinghouse (NSFC) at (800) 624- percolation of water through the soil This free brochure for homeowners 8301 or (304) 293-4191, fax (304) in drainage fields. Both studies found describes a conventional septic sys- 293-3161, e-mail nsfc_orders@mail. that water softener recharge wastes tem and how it should be cared for estd.wvu.edu, or write NSFC, West caused no adverse effects to onsite to achieve optimal results. Tips for Virginia University, P.O. Box 6064, treatment systems. The cost for the trouble-free operation are provided. Morgantown, WV 26506-6064. Be 100-page book is $7.60 cents. Item Item #WWBRPE17. #WWBKRE21. sure to request each item by number PIPELINE and title. A shipping charge will Your Septic System: A Guide for apply. Homeowners This 11-minute video discusses con- Wastewater Products Catalog ventional septic system components, Pipeline is published quarterly by the National Small Flows Clearinghouse at West Virginia University, This newly operation, and maintenance. It covers P.O. Box 6064, Morgantown, WV 26506-6064 updated catalog 10 basic rules for homeowners to fol- Pipeline is funded through a grant from the lists and low.The videotape costs $10. Item U.S. Environmental Protection Agency describes the #WWVTPE16. Washington, D.C. The Care and Feeding of Your Septic Steve Hogye—Project Officer many products Municipal Support Division and System Office of Wastewater Management services that the This free NSFC brochure describes National Small Flows Clearinghouse NSFC offers. septic tanks and absorption fields and West Virginia University Morgantown,WV The catalog provides guidelines to prolong their Peter Casey—Program Coordinator may also be usefulness, such as when to have Michelle Moore—Editor Tricia Angoli—Technical Advisor downloaded your septic tank pumped and ways to John Fekete—Graphic Designer reduce the flow of wastewater. Item from the NSFC Web site at Permission to quote from or reproduce articles in http://www.nsfc.wvu.edu or is avail- #WWBRPE20. this publication is granted when due acknowledgement is given. Please send a copy of the publication in which informa- able free upon request. Item Groundwater Protection and Your tion was used to the Pipeline editor at the address above. #WWCAT. Septic System an equal opportunity/affirmative action Potential Effects of Water Softener Along with ways to prevent contami- institution nants from reaching the groundwater, ISSN 1060-0043 Use on Septic Tank Soil Absorption The contents of this newsletter do not necessarily reflect the views and Onsite Wastewater Systems this free brochure discusses ground- policies of the Environmental Protection Agency, nor does the mention water protection based on proper of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or These two research projects were recommendation for use. septic system sizing and location. performed to see if the salt-brine dis- Printed on recycled paper Item #WWBRPE21. charge from water softener regenera-

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