In order to meet more stringent chloride standards mandated by the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board, Brentwood is moving to prohibit the installation of salt-based water softeners in new residential construction. A recent study showed that approximately 60 percent of the excess chlorides found in the water Brentwood discharges from its wastewater treatment plant are the result of the use of these types of softeners, staff explained during a stakeholders’ meeting at which a BIA|Bay Area representative attended. In the interim, the city is asking developers to voluntarily stop installing this type of softener and use alternative technologies. The city is also evaluating the creation of a potential rebate program designed to encourage existing homeowners to replace the offending softeners. For more information, contact the Brentwood Public Works Department at 925-516-5420.
