Bannerman
Well-Known Member
Posters periodically ask about potential problems with softeners discharging into septic systems, sump pits, dry wells and the like.
Since the softening process works on an ion exchange principal, I understand the resin needs to be overwhelmed with sodium during regeneration, so as to release the calcium and magnesium (hardness) ions being held by the resin.
While I expect the discharge will continue to contain some level of sodium, it would seem there should be a significantly lower level than contained in the brine as a large portion of sodium would be bound to the resin, with that sodium being slowly released within the softened water consumed in between regeneration cycles.
Are there any studies to indicate the actual amount of sodium discharged during a residential softener regeneration cycle compared to the amount required to regenerate?
Since the softening process works on an ion exchange principal, I understand the resin needs to be overwhelmed with sodium during regeneration, so as to release the calcium and magnesium (hardness) ions being held by the resin.
While I expect the discharge will continue to contain some level of sodium, it would seem there should be a significantly lower level than contained in the brine as a large portion of sodium would be bound to the resin, with that sodium being slowly released within the softened water consumed in between regeneration cycles.
Are there any studies to indicate the actual amount of sodium discharged during a residential softener regeneration cycle compared to the amount required to regenerate?
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