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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an automatic water softener?
Automatic water softeners are water conditioning systems to which you or a service provider adds salt (sodium or potassium chloride pellets).  Water softeners that include a regular service to change out the tank on your conditioners are not considered harmful.

What is the difference between water softener and water conditioner?
A water conditioner refers the broad scope of water treatment to suit a particular usage requirement whereas a water softener is a form of water conditioning that uses ion exchange technology to specifically remove Calcium and Magnesium.

Why should I remove my automatic water softener?
Automatic water softeners, the type to which you add salt (sodium chloride or potassium chloride), produce a salty discharge measured as Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). If levels of TDS become too high they prevent the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) from meeting the water quality requirements for recycled water established by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).  

What are Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)?
TDS is a measure of the amount of dissolved salts and other minerals in water. In the Inland Empire, after water is used in homes and goes down the drain, the wastewater ends up in the sewer system. From there it flows to one of four water recycling plants. Even though these facilities provide a high level of treatment and remove many impurities and pollutants from the wastewater, they are not designed to remove TDS.

How do TDS levels affect recycled water?
Recycled water is wastewater that undergoes four stages of treatment to produce high-quality water that meets or exceeds California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal EPA) and CDPH standards, making it safe to reuse.  Recycled water is a reliable water source, especially during droughts and other times of water shortage.  It is safe, cost effective, and the water is high quality.

However, if salt levels discharged into the sewer system do not decrease, IEUA will need to add additional treatment equipment at each treatment plant which is very costly and could significantly increase your sewer bills.

Is recycled water safe?
Yes. Recycled water is a highly treated, filtered and disinfected product that meets criteria established by the Cal EPA and the California Department of Health Services.

What is recycled water used for?
By using recycled water for specific purposes, IEUA helps our community preserve limited water supplies for drinking water and other household uses. IEUA produces one of the nation’s highest quality recycled water that is appropriate for all human contact, except drinking.  Recycled water can be used for irrigation of parks, playgrounds, school grounds, golf courses, cemeteries, residential and freeway landscaping, and crop irrigation.  Recycled water can also be used for commercial laundries and car washes, industrial processes, dust control, and groundwater recharge.

Why is the Inland Empire Utilities Agency Recycling Water?
Water recycling is a necessity as water is a precious natural resource that is in short supply in semi-arid southern California.  There is no new water so recycled water reduces dependence on our limited water supplies helping to drought-proof the rapidly growing Inland Empire.  100 percent of IEUA’s recycled water is reused.  Recycled water provides a safe, cost-effective and reliable supply of high quality water.  Over the next three years, IEUA and its local water agencies expect to connect about 330 customers (schools, parks, parkways, golf courses, and private businesses) to recycled water.      

Will I save water if I remove my automatic water softener?
Yes.  By removing your automatic water softener you can save up to 5000 gallons per year depending on the water quality, age and type of automatic water softener you own. 

What type of rebate is offered if I remove my automatic water softener?
To encourage you to remove your automatic water softeners, the IEUA is offering you 100 percent of the reasonable value (between $300-$2,000), plus free removal and disposal.  The water softener must be connected and in working condition to qualify for the rebate.  If you live in the IEUA service area* you can submit an application form with proof of purchase and the IEUA will send you a letter stating the rebate offer based on the purchase price, make, model, and age of the unit.

*The IEUA serves the Cities of Chino, Chino Hills, Fontana, Montclair, Ontario, Upland and to the Cucamonga Valley Water District, Fontana Water Company, Monte Vista Water District, and the San Antonio Water Company.

How can I obtain proof of purchase for my automatic water softener if I do not have a receipt?
Proof of purchase may be obtained by calling records departments for many of the big box stores such as Home Depot, Lowes and Costco. Companies that install automatic water softeners, such as Culligan, GE, Kenmore (Sears), and Rayne, will also be able to provide you with receipts and purchase information. Credit card companies can also provide back-statements that would include purchase prices.

Without proof of purchase, you can still receive a $300 rebate if the automatic water softener is connected and in working condition.

What options and alternatives are available once I remove my softener?  
You can switch to an alternative means of water conditioning, such as an exchange tank water softening system. Some vendors offer non-salt treatment units for water conditioning.

The Sanitation District of Los Angeles County (LACSD) offers a listing of more than 50 alternative water conditioning systems. The site includes reviews from community members on the various products and services. The IEUA does not endorse any particular water conditioning unit, or provide any assurances regarding the effectiveness of any unit.

Who is the IEUA and how can I contact them for more information?
IEUA is a municipal water district that distributes imported water, provides industrial/municipal wastewater collection and treatment services, and other related utility services to the cities of Chino, Chino Hills, Fontana, Montclair, Ontario and Upland, as well as to the Cucamonga Valley Water District, Fontana Water Company, Monte Vista Water District, and the San Antonio Water Company.

If you have any further questions about the automatic water softener rebate program or want more information about recycled water, you may call the IEUA at 909-993-1550 or email at softenerrebate@ieua.org.