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Water Softeners

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Water Softener Settings

Groundwater: 18-45 grains/gallon
Surface Water: 22-29 grains/gallon
Desalinated Water: 2-3 grains/gallon. To see the distribution area of desalinated water, click here.

One grain per gallon = 17.1 milligrams per liter.
Please use potassium chloride to help reduce the amount of salts in our wastewater and recycled water systems.
For more information, call the City of Santa Barbara’s Water Resources Laboratory (805) 568-1008

Best Practices for Water Softeners

  1. Water Softener Setting 
    Our hardness ranges from 2-45 grains/gallon, depending on where you are in the City. Try setting your softener lower to start. If you feel the water needs to be softer then try turning it up slowly, one grain/gallon at a time.
  2. Set Cycle for Efficiency
    Most water softeners are set to cycle too often, requiring more potassium chloride, water and energy.
  3. Replace Time Clock Controlled Water Softeners
    Install a demand initiated regeneration water softener which only run while water is in use. This saves water, energy and maintenance. Retrofit DIR Controllers are available that allow easy conversion of time clock controlled models. Look for Water Sense® and Energy Star® models for replacements.
  4. Use Potassium Chloride
    We recommend that you do not use sodium chloride. Sodium causes problems during the wastewater treatment process and increases the salinity of recycled water used for irrigation.
  5. How Do Water Softeners Work?