- Watch the Efficient Water Softening for Plumbers video
- Complete the Plumbers and Dealers list form
Hard Water Treatment
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 to drink, the minerals contribute to scale buildup in pipes and appliances. Many homes use water softeners that replace the minerals with salt, resulting in softened water.
The Water Softener Facts website is a great resource. Learn how water softeners work, research the water softener that is right for you and find the water hardness for the area you live.
Environmental impacts of water softeners
- Water softeners flush salty backwash water down the drain that eventually ends up in our waterways. This salty water can be harmful to fresh water plants and animals
- Water softeners use and dispense water every time they recharge and from leaks that go undetected
Did you know?
- About 142,000 homes in Waterloo region have water softeners that create an estimated 1.5 billion litres of backwash water each year
- Water softener backwashing accounts for about 7 per cent of a household's water use in Waterloo Region
- Water softeners in Waterloo Region contribute an estimated 4,860 tonnes of greenhouse gases each year from water, salt and electricity use
Resources and programs
Single, semi and townhomes
Changes to your water softener can help reduce costs from salt and water use.
- Set the water softener to the correct water hardness for your area so only the required amount of salt is used. Use our water hardness tag to record the information.
- Check your water softener for leaks and that it isn't regenerating too often.
- Choose an efficient softener with the NSF 44 certification. There are also newer, non-salt technologies. This study follows 18 households with salt-free conditioning units.
- Only soften your home's hot water. Our Water Softener Plumbing Rebate program has information on the benefits of softening hot water only and funding to help with the costs of the required plumbing change.
Commercial, industrial and institutional companies
The Water Efficient Technology (WET) program provides commercial, industrial and institutional-sector companies with resources and funding to reduce water use including upgrading water softeners to water efficient models.
Licensed plumbers and retailers
Include your business on our list of licensed plumbers and water softener retailers supporting residents changing their plumbing to soften hot water only.
How to add your business to the list
Promote the program to your customers
- Display the Water Softener Plumbing Rebate Program poster
- Email us to request printed copies
Salt-free water conditioning study
This study looks at salt-free water conditioning units in 18 households. The study includes performance information and owner satisfaction after a year of use.
