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The Salt in My Water Softener Goes Where?

Chloride levels have increased in our Madison lakes over the decades. In fact, Lake Wingra has the highest chloride concentration out of all the Yahara-chain lakes. Water softeners contribute to chloride levels in freshwater resources. While they don’t directly impact the chloride concentrations at Lake Wingra, we believe it is important to treat our water as one resource. Therefore, we’ve spent Winter 2020 and Spring 2021 raising awareness on other sources of chlorides in addition to road salt. Below are a few ways you can engage on this issue!

Catch the Water Softener Webinar

Water Softener Mural
Water Softener Art Mural

On April 6, 2021, we hosted a free webinar. Individuals could learn how their water softener impacts freshwater resources. In case you missed it, the webinar covers:

  • Why wastewater treatment plants can’t remove salt from wastewater
  • Current salt concentrations in WI surface water and its impacts on wildlife
  • A sneak peek at the art mural in the Wingra Watershed
  • What you can do to help your softener operate as efficiently as possible

If you have interest in viewing the recording, you can download it here.

Take the Screen, Enter to Win a Gift Card

As part of this awareness initiative, we are raffling off $50 Monroe Street Merchant gift cards through June 2021. When you enter the raffle, you must complete a water softener assessment screening. In addition, you can earn another entry by referring someone. For the entry to count, that person must say you referred them. When you’re ready to take the screen, visit: https://www.madsewer.org/SoftenerScreen

Visit the Art Mural

Presently, as of April 2021, the art mural lives at Henry Vilas Zoo by the otter exhibit. The mural depicts Lake Wingra and life under the water. You really need to see it in person to appreciate the craftsmanship! Eventually, the mural will move to Wingra Boats sometime in May 2021 through the summer.

We appreciate and acknowledge the support from Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District. Through their Salt Innovation grant we are able to offer the raffle!