Chloride levels in Minnesota surface water and groundwater resources are increasing, and maximizing efficiency of commercial water softening can reduce chloride discharge to the environment. A study was conducted to evaluate water softener settings and functionality at five Minnesota Department of Transportation rest area sites and to compare chloride levels in their septic systems. Sites included: Marion Rest Area (RA), Blue Earth Westbound (WB) RA, Oakland Woods RA, Fuller Lake RA and Central Minnesota Travel Information Center (TIC).
Water treatment professionals inspected water softeners, and samples were collected to evaluate chloride levels in septic system lift stations. Additionally, water-quality tests were
