Purpose of the Bill

The bill introduces a program intended to encourage the replacement of older, less efficient time-based ion exchange water softeners with more efficient demand-based ion exchange water softeners in Minnesota. This initiative aims to improve water efficiency and reduce salt usage for water softening in residential and commercial buildings.

Main Provisions

• Rebate Program Establishment: A rebate program, managed by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, will provide a $200 rebate for each eligible replacement of a time-based water softener with a demand-based model.

• Eligibility Criteria:

  • The new demand-based water softener must soften water from over ten US grains per gallon to less than one US grain per gallon.
  • Salt efficiency of the new system must exceed 3,500 grains per pound of salt.
  • Installation must be performed by a licensed contractor between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2027.

• Rebate Application Requirements:

  • Must detail the specifications of both the old and new equipment and the estimated annual salt use.
  • Must be signed by both the property owner or lessee and the installing contractor.
  • Contractors can only sign up to 30 rebate applications throughout the program’s duration.

Significant Changes

• The bill creates a financial incentive for property owners and lessees to upgrade their water softening systems, which is not currently available.

• It aims to increase the adoption of demand-based system installations across the state, potentially leading to widespread environmental benefits by decreasing salt usage and improving water softening efficiency.

Relevant Terms

• Ion exchange water softeners
• Time-based water softeners
• Demand-based water softeners
• Rebate program
• Salt efficiency
• Minnesota Pollution Control Agency