The Water Softener Facts website is a great resource on water softeners. Learn how water softeners work, research the right water softener for you and find the water hardness in your area.
Most drinking water in Waterloo Region comes from groundwater wells. Groundwater is typically considered "hard" water due to the minerals the water picks up while it travels underground. Although it is safe for drinking, the minerals contribute to scale build-up in pipes and appliances. Many residences use water softeners that replace the minerals with salt, resulting in softened water.
Water Softener Plumbing Rebate Program
Region of Waterloo will launch a pilot rebate program to get homeowners to convert their water softener plumbing to treat hot water only in July 2020. We’ll offer a one-time rebate of $50 per household for the plumbing change. The program aims to help to reduce salt from entering local rivers and conserve drinking water.
Visit page 115 of the December 3, 2019 Planning and Works Committee agenda to learn more about the program.
Water Softener Plumbing Rebate protocol
Resident registers for rebate - February 1, 2020
- Option A: Resident can register by completing online application form. The form will ask residents to test their water hardness (hardness kit sent by Region Water Efficiency Team) or by scheduling a WET Home Audit.
- Option B: Resident can register during a WET Home Audit with Reep Green Solutions.
Region confirms rebate requirements are met - After July 1, 2020
- Option A: Resident can email or mail plumbing receipts to Region's Water Efficiency Team to confirm rebate requirements have been met.
- Option B: Household water hardness can be tested during a first time WET Home Audit. If no previous WET Home Audit, resident can schedule an audit to confirm rebate requirements have been met.
- Option C: Household water hardness can be tested by Water Efficiency staff.
Region issues rebate to resident - After July 1, 2020
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Step 1: Resident can email or mail a void cheque or direct vendor deposit form to Region's Water Efficiency Team.
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Step 2: Region's Water Efficiency Team will forward relevant information to the Finance department.
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Step 3: Region's Finance department issues $50 rebate via direct deposit to resident.
Salt-free water conditioning study results
Between 2017 and 2018, Region of Waterloo and City of Guelph hired Metroline Research Group to complete a market research study that involved installing salt-free water conditioning units in 18 volunteer households. To see how well they performed in real world conditions and how people felt about the units after a year of use, read the study results.
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