Salt is a substance that cannot be removed at the WWTP, so we have a WDNR Chloride Variance. The Variance is dependent upon continuing to show progress in decreasing the amount of daily Chlorides entering our treatment plant. Currently, the average daily loading of Chlorides to the WWTP is 10,242 lbs./day. Since most homeowners use 40 lb. bags of salt, every day our treatment plant receives the equivalent of 256 bags of salt. What can you do to help? Have your water softener adjusted so it runs on demand instead of time. If your unit doesn’t have a digital display, it is running on time and over backwashing the system with salt. If you have a digital display, your unit will most likely run-on demand. By setting the hardness of the water, the unit will only backwash when necessary. This will save salt for you and decrease the amount of salt going to the WWTP.