Are Water Softeners Banned In West Central Missouri?

Salt-based water softeners are banned in certain Missouri areas because of the state constantly dealing with droughts. This water is an important source for farmers and their irrigation efforts in an area where suitable water is often scarce.

Missouri is not alone in the illegalization of self-regenerating water softeners – Texas and Massachusetts have since passed similar laws. As of 2021, water softeners are banned in the following Missouri municipalities and counties. Some areas near West Central Missouri where water softeners are reportedly banned include Oceanside, Vista, Solana Beach and Otay Mesa. Parts of other areas could include:

You can see all water softener bans in the state by viewing this Google Map.

In 2009, the Missouri state legislature set forth a proposal that banned conventional water softeners that discharge salt into municipal sewer lines. Culligan and a number of its competitors filed suit in Sacramento, claiming the new law, which would decommission any current homeowner’s softener system, to be unconstitutional.

As of 2021, there is no statewide ban in Missouri on water softeners. These decisions have been left of up to the local municipalities, as per Assembly Bill 1366 passed in 2005, which gives local water districts the right to ban self-regenerating water softeners to satisfy discharge standards.

Laws in Missouri that prohibit salt-based water softeners use enforcement policies. If you are found in possession of a working water softener in an area that does not permit one, you could face fines of $1,000 or more.

There are two main alternatives to traditional water softeners in Missouri: salt-free water conditioners and portable exchange (PE).

Portable exchange services are popular for homes that want the utility of a real salt-based water softener. PE tanks use no electricity and require few if any changes to plumbing. Culligan takes care of the delivery of new tanks and maintenance, and offers flexible scheduling solutions based on usage.

Culligan’s Salt-Free Conditioner provides a similar solution for your home that a traditional softener would by reducing damaging scale formation from minerals such as calcium and magnesium. However, unlike a traditional water softener, a conditioner does not eliminate these minerals, but reduces their ability to form scale. Its anti-scaling media protects your home’s major appliances and plumbing, making it easy to clean out your tub or sink. Likewise, NO salt purchasing is ever required.

A salt-free water softener solution offers many benefits, including:

Water in West Central Missouri can range from moderately hard to very hard. Ground water can absorb minerals that make their way into your home, causing buildup on faucets and fixtures, limiting the life of your appliances, causing hair and skin problems, and making laundry dull.

A 2009 article in the Los Angeles times estimated 10% of homes in the area had hard water.

Whether you’re looking for a traditional water softener or salt-free conditioner solution, no company does it better than Culligan – the industry leader in water softening and water treatment for more than 85 years.