[Greenbuilding] Question: Water Softeners and Sewer Lagoons

[George J. Nesbitt]

Great observations, smart decision.

Robert W. Tom wrote:

>On Thu, 07 Sep 2006 12:37:40 -0400, Lawrence Lile <LLile at projsolco.com>  
>wrote:
>
>  
>
>>An expert at the University of Missouri says that brine from water
>>softeners is unlikely to upset septic tank systems.
>>    
>>
>
>FWIW, in my immediate neighbourhood I observed that those homes with water  
>softeners experienced failures of their well pumps and pressure tanks  
>every 5-10 years and needed to replace their septic fields within 12-15  
>years ...while those without water softeners didn't have to replace their  
>pressure tanks until after 15 years or more and are still using their  
>original septic fields (20+ years).
>
>The "honey man" and all of the septic system contractors that I've  
>quizzed, confirm that my observations are not unique to my neighbourhood.
>
>Some background info:
>
>This area is all rock (Canadian Shield), mostly granite with some pockets  
>of sandstone or limestone in depressions in the granite. Bedrock is often  
>at or near the surface. And lots of dissolved iron too.
>
>Most of the septic fields were of the raised filter media type (ie a 900mm  
>deep bed of graded,washed sand, with 300mm of washed crushed stone on top)  
>in which the weeping tile or chambers are set. Many who are replacing  
>their fields are opting for peat filter systems (ie no septic field  
>required).   http://www.ecofloontario.com/
>
>I don't use a water softener.  I feel that the minerals and iron are  
>healthy.
>
>Where soft water is needed, I use harvested rainwater or condensate  
>harvested from dehumidification.
>
>===* ===
>Rob Tom
>Kanata, Ontario, Canada
><archilogic at chaffyahoo dot ca>
>winnow the chaff from my edress in your reply
>
>
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>