INSTALLATION AND USE OF WATER SOFTENERS AND REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEMS

(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), an owner may install or use a water softener that discharges effluent into an on-site sewage disposal system only if the installed water softener: (1) conserves water by design; (2) regenerates using a demand-initiated regeneration control device, commonly known as a DIR device; and (3) is clearly labeled as being equipped with a DIR device, with the label affixed to the outside of the system so that it may be inspected and easily read. (b) An owner may use a water softener that discharges effluent into an on-site sewage disposal system and that does not meet the requirements of Subsection (a) if the water softener was installed before September 1, 2003. The owner must replace the water softener with a water softener that meets the requirements of Subsection (a) if the owner: (1) replaces the water softener; or (2) installs a new on-site sewage disposal system for the building or other property served by the existing system. (c) An owner may install and use a point-of-use reverse osmosis system that discharges effluent into an on-site sewage disposal system. (d) An owner may install and use a point-of-entry reverse osmosis system that discharges effluent into an on-site sewage disposal system if the calculated volume of effluent: (1) does not cause hydraulic overloading; or (2) has been adequately addressed in the design of the on-site sewage disposal system. (e) This section does not apply to an aerobic, nonstandard, or proprietary on-site sewage treatment system unless the water softener drain line to the system bypasses the treatment system and flows into the pump tank or directly into the discharge method. (f) The commission by rule shall adopt and implement standards for the use of water softeners and reverse osmosis systems in a building or other property served by an on-site sewage disposal system.