Dixon, California

Dixon’s rule is a city sewer / POTW ordinance, not a statewide salt-softener ban. Chapter 14.01, Article XI “Residential Brine Discharging Water Softening And Conditioning Appliances” (Ord. 12-004; the new-install ban was originally Ord. 08-018, adopted November 25, 2008). Authorization is Cal. Health & Safety Code § 116775 et seq. and Cal. Water Code § 13148, after Central Valley Regional Board CDO No. R5-2008-0136, adopted September 11, 2008. Ask Utilities or the agency on the sewer bill about the address.

§ 14.01.1140: no person shall install or in any manner assist in installing a residential brine discharging water softening or conditioning appliance that discharges into the POTW, into a private or community sewer tributary to the POTW, or to land within the city. Violation is a fine not to exceed $1,000 and a public nuisance. § 14.01.1150 required existing residential brine-discharging units that discharge into the POTW to be removed no later than November 11, 2010. Findings EE says residents may still soften or condition with appliances that do not discharge brine to the POTW, and names portable-exchange tanks regenerated off-site outside Dixon. § 14.01.1180 lets the Director grant a medical exemption only if (A) the application is on Director forms, (B) a physician verifies in writing a medical need for soft water, and (C) finances preclude a non-brine alternative. We do not invent another exception.

There are two water providers inside city limits — City of Dixon and California Water Service. The city Water page says to use the water service area map and check which bill you have. We do not invent a citywide blend.

City of Dixon municipal system (PWS CA4810009), 2024 Consumer Confidence Report: hardness 163 ppm as CaCO3 (range 130–190). Free chlorine 0.85 ppm (range 0.71–0.96), sodium hypochlorite, not chloramines. Hexavalent chromium 19 ppb (range 15–22), MCL 10; the same report says a system of this size is not considered in violation until after October 1, 2027. The city Water page currently describes averages of 16–27 ppb. Arsenic 1 ppb (range ND–3), MCL 10. Nitrate as N 3.52 ppm (range 2.0–4.3). Chloride 13 ppm (range 11–17). Sodium 56 ppm (range 42–67). Total chromium 23.67 ppb (range 20–27), MCL 50. Those are printed numbers and a compliance note, not a diagnosis. Kitchen shopping stays the Cloud RO / Waterdrop path already used on other cities if a listing is why you are looking.

California Water Service Dixon District, 2024 report: hardness 215 ppm (range 160–260, sampled 2022–2024). Free chlorine 0.87 ppm (range 0.48–1.5). Hexavalent chromium 4.7 ppb (range 1.3–9.9), MCL 10, in compliance on that table. Arsenic ND (range ND–2.9). Nitrate as N 4.8 ppm (range 3.1–5.9). Sodium 56 ppm (range 51–60). Chloride 18 ppm (range 12–32).