Studies on the relationship between a water softener and septic system extend back to the 1970’s. The Water Quality Association (WQA) and Small Scale Waste Management Project (SSWMP) at the University of Wisconsin, included. Interestingly, research and field experience has shown that efficient water softeners have not negatively affected septic systems. In fact, water softeners may potentially aid the process.
Workings of a Septic System
Understanding the components of a septic system is helpful in understanding potential effects water softeners can have. A conventional system consists of a septic tank, a distribution box, and a drain field, all connected by pipes. Wastewater travels through pipes from the home to the septic tank where the solids (sludge) go to the bottom of the tank. Lighter material floats to the top (scum layer). During the septic treatment process, both layers are partially decomposed by bacteria that naturally occurs in human waste. The septic tank discharges water into a drain field as more wastewater is released from the home.
How water softeners work
High Efficiency Water Softener
Water softeners remove hard minerals from your water that may be causing scale build-up inside your plumbing distribution system. Additionally, hard water may cause dry hair and skin, staining of laundry, streaking and spotting on glassware and other build-up. Most water softeners contain a media tank, and the brine tank. The media tank holds the resin that removes hardness minerals enabling soft water to be distributed throughout the home. The water softener’s brine tank stores salt and will add water as needed to dissolve the salt into a brine solution. The brine is used to clean the resin, knocking off the hardness minerals it gathered and sends them to drain. Now, the cleaned resin is ready to remove more minerals and the process is repeated.
Potential to aid septic systems
One myth associated with a water softener and a septic system is that the sodium in softened waste reduces the effectiveness of the bacteria your septic system needs. Studies conducted by the University of Wisconsin have found this to be untrue. The University found that soft water can increase the biological performance in the septic tank. The right amount of sodium in the soft water aids bacterial growth, optimizing the septic treatment process. Additionally, another bonus to having soft water is that it reduces the amount of detergents and soaps needed to clean well. Therefore, by using lesser amounts of cleaning supplies there is even less to worry about when it to comes to the effect these chemicals can have on your septic system.
Why efficient water softeners do not disrupt septic systems
The small amount of wastewater produced by the regeneration process, discharged to your septic tank is sometimes misconceived as disruptive. In following, one concern with water softeners and septic systems is that the amount and flow rate of the brine discharge can overflow a septic tank and back up the drain field. However, a study commissioned in 2012 by the Water Quality Research Foundation reported that brine discharge from well operated water softeners (50 gallons per regeneration or less) showed no overflow. Actually, the discharge was similar to that of most other household water using appliances.
Importance of a high performance system
Twin 4-cubic feet Water Softeners With High Capacity Sediment Filtration
Importantly, you should understand how the quality of a water softener can influence a septic system. The discussion of a water softener and a septic system is on-going may be due to old, inefficient softeners that remain in use. Poor operating water softeners can produce too much brine waste while regenerating more than necessary. In some cases, this may cause problems to arise with older septic systems. In conclusion, this is why it’s important to have a properly operating and efficient water softener system in any home. However, it is important to check with your town to see if discharging into your septic system is allowed. Also, speak to your water treatment specialist for more information.
H2O Care, Inc. is an established, regional water testing and filtration service organization, started in 1989. Offices are located in Middleton, Stow & Lakeville, Massachusetts, serving Eastern MA, Southern NH & ME and Northern RI. Also, see our published articles can be seen at the link: Publications. We can be reached by email at service@h2ocare.com or by calling us at 800-539-1100.