The Worthington Public Utilities (WPU) Water Softener Replacement and Optimization Rebate Program has been extended to April 30, 2024, or until all funds are expended. As of the end of April 2023, WPU has successfully replaced or upgraded 92 high-salt-use water softeners.  Program participants are expected to see an average 79% reduction in their monthly salt use.  Before replacements and upgrades, participants were using an average of 22½ 50-pound bags of salt per year.  With the softener replacements and upgrades, their salt use is projected to be lowered to an average of 4½ bags of salt per year with an average savings of $127 on yearly salt purchases.  That’s a lot less salt to haul down to the basement and more money in your pocket. These residents and small businesses also received a $150 to $988 rebate to replace or upgrade their softeners.  Over 81,000 fewer pounds of salt is being discharged to Okabena Creek each year helping to protect aquatic life.

The program is still accepting applications. If your existing water softener is a time-clock softener and/or has a salt efficiency of less than 3,350 grains/pound of salt, you may be eligible for a replacement rebate of up to $700 for residential customers and up to $4,000 for commercial customers.  If not eligible for replacement, the softener will be optimized for reduced salt use at no cost. 

For full program details click here.  To sign up for an inspection and optimization and to find out if your softener is eligible for replacement, contact Culligan Water Conditioning of Worthington at 507-376-4441.