For Our Water’s Sake, Use Alternative Water Softeners!

Protecting our local water supply is critical. Residential self-regenerating water softeners – the kind that uses rock salt (sodium chloride) or potassium chloride pellets – pose a serious water quality problem for our communities.

On average, a single self-regenerating water softener contributes up to 30 pounds of salt each month into our community’s water treatment system. That salt ultimately ends up in our groundwater and recycled water supplies. Salt is the single most important constraint on our future ability to use groundwater and recycled water, our most reliable and drought-proof local water supply.

That is why the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA), with support from residents, businesses, environmentalists, local cities and other water and wastewater agencies, approved Ordinance (§2.6) prohibiting the new installation or replacement of self-regenerating water softeners.

What does the Regional Ordinance (§2.6) mean?

• If you have a self-regenerating water softener now, you can keep it – you just can’t replace it or install a new one. However we encourage you to remove it by taking advantage of IEUA’s removal rebate (up to $2,000) and reimbursement for the removal cost by a licensed plumber (up to $250).
• If you want to use a new salt-based water softener that does not harm the water supply, contact a company that provides exchange tank services.
• For more information on salt free water conditioning alternatives, click here to visit the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County’s comprehensive website.

IEUA has launched a self-regenerating water softener removal rebate program. If you have a connected and working self-regenerating water softener, and live in the cities of Chino, Chino Hills, Fontana, Montclair, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, or Upland, you can get a rebate for the reasonable value of the unit—from $300 up to $2,000.

Applying for the rebate is simple:

• Submit the rebate application to IEUA with an original invoice or proof of purchase showing that the unit is fully paid and has no lien. Please include pictures of the unit in working condition and connected to your plumbing system in addition to the unit’s placard showing the make, model, and serial number.
• After reviewing the application, IEUA will send you an offer with the rebate amount and your authorization letter to proceed. Sign the authorization letter and schedule an appointment with a licensed plumber.
• After the plumber removes your self-regenerating water softener, have the plumber sign the authorization letter and submit the letter with the plumber invoice and pictures of the area showing that the unit is removed. After reviewing all submittals, IEUA will mail your rebate check.