Salting Our Lakes? The Hidden Impacts of Water Softeners
Salt can pollute our lakes, and we’re not just talking about the kind used for winter road maintenance! When we head into colder months, homeowners with private wells may notice dry skin, soap scum buildup in the shower, and more frequent issues with water heaters. Why does this happen more in winter, and how does it relate to salt? The answer lies in “hard water” and the ways we treat it.
Hard Water: The Good, the Bad, and the Buildup
Hardness in drinking water depends on the different minerals present in our groundwater. Ironically, New Hampshire’s granite bedrock doesn’t make water “hard as a rock” — in fact, granite actually produces relatively “soft” water! But other minerals in our groundwater, like calcium and magnesium, can lead to hard water issues in some areas. If you’ve noticed buildup on faucets, scum in the shower, white spots on dishes, or even a sluggish water heater, these minerals might be the reason.
So, Where’s the Salt?
Many private well owners turn to water softeners to tackle hard water issues, and that’s where salt comes in. Most water softeners work by using salt to remove calcium and magnesium from the water. While effective at reducing mineral buildup, these softeners result in salty wastewater, which is flushed down the drain.
The Journey from Your Home to Our Lakes
Salt from water softeners eventually makes its way from household drains to septic systems or municipal wastewater treatment plants. Unfortunately, neither septic systems nor treatment plants are designed to remove salt, meaning this salty water ends up in our rivers, groundwater, and lakes. As salt accumulates in our lakes, it can harm both the environment and human health, as follows:
- Aquatic ecosystem disruption: Elevated salt levels (230 mg/L or higher) can be toxic to fish and aquatic life, reducing biodiversity and contributing to habitat loss.
- Harm to native vegetation: Salt stress disrupts nutrient absorption in aquatic and shoreline plants, stunting their growth and impacting habitats essential for lake-dependent wildlife, such as fish and birds.
- Increased infrastructure wear: Salt accelerates the deterioration of roads, bridges, and even wastewater treatment systems (like septic systems), increasing maintenance costs and safety risks. No one wants to be surprised with a failing, leaky septic!
- Contaminated drinking water: High salt levels, whether you pull water from the lake or your well, can pose health risks, particularly for individuals on low-sodium diets or with hypertension.
Smart Water Softening: Alternatives and Best Practices
If you’re concerned about your impact on local waterbodies but still want to address hard water issues, below are some eco-friendly options and best practices geared toward homeowners on private water systems. If you’re on a town or community water system, consider reaching out to the water treatment plant to learn more about your water source and the process used.
- Test your water regularly. Not every home in New Hampshire needs a water softener, but testing your water can help determine if you have hard water that truly requires treatment. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services offers water testing resources and information.
- Choose High-Efficiency Water Softeners. Newer, high-efficiency models require less salt and regenerate (or “refresh”) less frequently, reducing salt output compared with traditional models.
- Install a bypass for outdoor water. If you have a water softener, consider installing a bypass valve for outdoor water. Hard water doesn’t impact lawns, gardens, and other outdoor areas as much, so a bypass saves salt and reduces environmental impact.
- Consider using potassium chloride, Unlike sodium-based softeners, potassium chloride is less harmful to plants and animals, although it can be more expensive.
- Use salt-free water softeners or conditioners. Some salt-free softeners use alternative technologies, such as magnetic or electromagnetic conditioning, to prevent mineral buildup. These can be a good option for households seeking to reduce salt usage.
Small Steps Add Up: Become LakeSmart!
Reducing your salt usage is one way to protect New Hampshire’s lakes.
You can also make a difference by participating in the LakeSmart Lake-Friendly Living Program. This voluntary program helps property owners think and act lake-friendly inside and outside their homes.
Learn more about how to get LakeSmart at nhlakes.org/LakeSmart and take a proactive step toward preserving New Hampshire’s lakes. Every action counts!
by Ale Consulting