According to an update from the Village of East Troy, they are extending a $100 rebate for the first 10 residents to purchase and install a new, “on demand” water softener. The village says that residential softening is one of the most significant sources of chlorides entering the wastewater treatment plant. The Village of East Troy treats approximately 360 thousand gallons of wastewater per day before it is discharged to Honey Creek. Wastewater treatment plants are designed to remove solids and organics commonly found in wastewater, but it cannot remove chlorides. Treating chlorides would require exotic treatment technologies that are extremely cost prohibitive; therefore, the only feasible way to reduce chlorides discharged from the treatment plant is to reduce the amount of chlorides sent down the sewer.
Homeowners are being asked to review their softener settings. Older softeners regenerate on a schedule set by a timer. More efficient softeners have flow meters or hardness sensors and regenerate only after the proper amount of water use, so they don’t waste salt. Homeowners should also use settings for a reasonable level of softening, not the maximum, and have the controls calibrated periodically (21 grains of hardness for the Village of East Troy).
For the rebate program, it will be on a first come first served basis and will require submittal of the plumbing permit and inspection from the Village of East Troy and the paid receipt of installation. For more information contact Jason Equitz, Director of Public Works at 262-684-5475
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