Many homeowners in California have purchased water softeners in good faith to remove calcium and other hard minerals from their water supply.  Soft water has a number of benefits for homeowners including lower energy bills and longer lasting appliances and thus for many, adjusting their water supply from hard to soft water can be a necessity.

In recent years, water softeners have been unfairly criticized for contributing largely to the state's salinity woes.  The Water Quality Association (WQA) shares concerns about salinity and the environment, however, removing residential water softeners is not the answer. 

During the previous legislative term, we fought hard to educate legislators and consumers on the threats to homeowners that a bill banning residential water softeners would bring.  We are grateful that Governor Schwarzenegger chose to protect consumers from this unnecessary legislation and with his veto message, the Governor stood up for consumers and homeowners against intrusive government regulation. 

Read Governor Schwarzenegger's veto letter to the State Assembly.

Allowing government regulators to remove consumers' water softeners, adding to hard water damage and taking away an important cost-saving appliance in many households is not the solution.

However, our fight is not over.  New legislation threatening homeowner's rights to purchase and own a water softener has been introduced this year and we will need your help in defeating AB 1366.

The Water Quality Association remains committed as we always have been ‒ in working together to solve California's water future and ensuring safe, clean water for everyone.  We will continue to work together with the Governor and the Legislature on solutions that will create a healthier environment and will benefit California's water future.