The city of Lompoc reminds the community that city code prohibits the installation of self-regenerating water softeners, as these devices substantially increase salt coming into the city’s wastewater system.

The city of Lompoc is required to limit salt in its wastewater to achieve the water-quality objectives mandated by the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board.

Compliance from the community with keeping excess salt out of the city’s wastewater helps keep wastewater fees low for the public.

Ordinance 13.16.320 states:

A. It is unlawful to install, replace, or enlarge apparatus for softening all or any part of the water supply to any premises when such apparatus is an ion-exchange softener or demineralizer of the type that is regenerated on the site of use with the regeneration wastes being discharged to the ground, storm drain, or City sewerage system, unless said softener or demineralizer meets or exceeds the standards specified in California Health and Safety Code sections 116775 to 116795, relating to water softening or conditioning. This Section shall not apply to apparatus of the type which is regenerated off-site by a water conditioning company.

Community members with questions on city policy regarding water softeners may contact Katrina Dorsey at k_dorsey@ci.lompoc.ca.us.

— Samantha Scroggin for city of Lompoc.