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<h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: Brine May Destroy Good Bacteria
People who have problems with hard water often install water softening systems to combat this. But these softeners utilize brine. Experts such as Matthew Byers, Ph.D., of the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association, fear that this may destroy the bacteria that are used to break down waste in a septic tank.
On the Other: Studies Do Not Prove It
A study done by the Water Quality Association in 2007 did not show any evidence of reduced septic tank performance due to the use of water softeners. Studies in 1970s by the National Sanitation Foundation and by the University of Wisconsin's Small Scale Waste Management Project had similar findings.
Bottom Line
The 2007 study was ultimately ruled inconclusive because it did not include all varieties and potential conditions of septic tank systems. However, the National Small Flows Clearinghouse has suggested that aerobic septic systems (utilizing air) are less likely to have problems than anaerobic ones.
Source:
uwsp.edu: Water Softener Use Raises Questions for Septic System Owners
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