Today we are going to answer all of the questions you might have about the Waterloo Water Softener Plumbing Rebate program.
We have over 25 years experience in the water softener industry and we'd love to share our expertise with you.
We will take a closer look at this helpful program, how you can qualify, and let you know all of the benefits it has for you and the environment. So, let's get started.
Waterloo Water Softener Plumbing Rebate program: Get your questions answered
Waterloo Water Softener Plumbing Rebate: FAQ's
Click on the link below to go immediately to the answer to your question:
How Long Will the Waterloo Water Softener Plumbing Rebate Last?
How Can You Apply for the Waterloo Water Softener Plumbing Rebate?
Who Qualifies for the Waterloo Water Softener Plumbing Rebate?
How Much Can the Waterloo Water Softener Plumbing Rebate Conversion Save You?
How Can the Waterloo Water Softener Plumbing Rebate Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions?
What Is the Waterloo Water Softener Plumbing Rebate?
The Region of Waterloo Planning and Works Committee implemented a water softener plumbing rebate program for the area, in July 2020.
As part of this program, you can receive a $50 rebate to go towards the cost of converting your plumbing so that your water softener will only soften your hot water.
The purpose of the water softener plumbing rebate program is to cut down on the amount of chlorides that enter our local rivers and to conserve backwash drinking water. Backwash refers to the water used by water softeners to flush iron minerals from the resin bed, out to the drain and into our water supply.
The rebate program will help cut down on chlorides entering our local rivers
How Long Will the Waterloo Water Softener Plumbing Rebate Last?
This pilot program began in July 2020 and will run until December 31, 2023. The Waterloo Region hopes to provide 175 rebates to homeowners in 2020 and a further 350 rebates in each of the following years until it finishes in 2023.
How Can You Apply for the Waterloo Water Softener Plumbing Rebate?
There are 2 options for applying for the Waterloo Water Softener Plumbing Rebate:
Option A
Register: You can register online. Once you register, you will be mailed a test kit that will test your water hardness. You only need to hold the test strip under running water and then submit your results to complete your registration.
Confirm: Once you have your plumbing converted to only soften hot water, you can email, submit online, or mail your plumbing receipts to the Region's Water Efficiency Team.
Get Your Rebate: You will receive your rebate by direct deposit. You can email, submit online, or mail a void cheque or direct vendor deposit form to the Region's Water Efficiency Team who will forward payment information to the finance department.
Option B
Register: You can request a free WET Home Audit with Reep Green Solutions. They will test your home’s water hardness and complete your program registration for you.
Confirm: Your water hardness will be tested as part of your WET Home Audit. If you have not had a WET Home Audit before, you can schedule one to complete the water softener program, and also receive a free review of your home's water use.
Get Your Rebate: You will receive your rebate by direct deposit. You can email, submit online or mail a void cheque or direct vendor deposit form to the Region's Water Efficiency Team who will forward payment information to the Finance department.
You can apply online for the water softener plumbing rebate program
Who Qualifies for the Waterloo Water Softener Plumbing Rebate?
The water softener plumbing rebate program is available to you if you are a resident of a single-family home, semi-detached home or townhouse and you have switched your salt-based softener to soften hot water only.
If you are installing a new water softener and you have it set up to only soften hot water and you were not previously only softening hot water, then you can also qualify for the rebate.
Are Businesses Eligible for the Rebate?
No, businesses and large apartment buildings are not eligible for this rebate.
Do Non-Salt Softening Technologies Qualify for the Rebate?
No, only salt-based softeners qualify.
Residents of single-family home, semi-detached home or townhouse may qualify for the rebate
How Much Will the Plumbing Conversion Cost?
According to Steve Gombos, the Water Efficiency Manager for the Region of Waterloo, it will probably cost somewhere between $200 and $250 to have your plumbing converted so that your water softener will only soften your hot water. This figure was obtained by asking a number of of local plumbers.
How Much Can the Waterloo Water Softener Plumbing Rebate Conversion Save You?
According to the Region of Waterloo, switching to only softening your hot water could reduce your household salt and water usage by about 65%.
That means that if there are 3 people in your home, you could potentially save about $84 a year in water and salt costs. In just five years you will have saved $420!
Your savings will add up as time goes on. For example:
After 5 years you will have saved $420
After 7 years you will have saved $588
After 10 years you will have saved $840
The following chart will give you a possible household savings for a family of three.
Why Is It Important to Only Soften Your Hard Water?
When salt dissolves in water, its sodium and chloride ions, that were bonded together in their dry state, separate.
High concentrations of chloride ions in our freshwater lakes and rivers are harmful to aquatic life, often hindering their survival, growth, and reproduction.
Salt is not removed during the wastewater treatment process. It is estimated that each year about 21,000 tonnes of salt is discharged in the Waterloo Region and ends up in our local rivers, thus negatively affecting the aquatic life there.
How Can the Waterloo Water Softener Plumbing Rebate Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions?
Because you will be reducing the total amount of water that you use and the total amount of salt that you need to buy, you will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions too.
When you use less water, less water will need to be treated and pumped out to you. Therefore, less energy will be used to treat this water. This reduces your carbon footprint.
The same is true about using less salt, as less energy needs to be spent to produce that salt.
Will My Appliances Still Be Protected?
Yes, your appliances that use hot water such as your dishwasher and hot water heater will still be protected as the water in them will be softened.
using less water is good for the environment
Trust WaterSmart for all Your Plumbing and Water softener needs
No matter what plumbing or water softening help you need, including switching to only softening your hot water, you can contact WaterSmart. WaterSmart has been offering high quality water softener service in Kitchener Waterloo for 25 years. We pride ourselves on providing great quality work and products at great prices.
We offer water softener repair services, water softeners, reverse osmosis drinking water systems, bottled water services, and plumbing services. To learn more about us, click here.
““I PURCHASED A WATER SOFTENER THROUGH WATERSMART AND I WAS VERY PLEASED WITH THE WHOLE PROCESS. I DID NOT KNOW MUCH ABOUT WATER SOFTENERS BUT THE SALESMAN HELPED INFORM ME HOW THEY WORK AND WHICH UNIT WOULD WORK BEST FOR ME. THE INSTALL WENT GREAT WITHOUT ANY SURPRISES AND THE UNIT WORKS GREAT. WOULD RECOMMEND TO ANYONE” ”
