| abstract |
A method of reclaiming brine waste in a water softener having an inlet; a service water outlet, a wastewater outlet, and having a brine/rinse cycle in which brine solution is directed through a resin bed and to a drain, includes measuring a TDS or specific ion level of the solution exiting the wastewater outlet during the brine/rinse cycle, comparing the measured TDS or specific ion level with a preset value; and diverting the flow of water out the outlet to a reclamation location once the measured TDS exceeds the preset value. A waste reclamation unit (44) includes a housing (46) in fluid communication with the water softener and at least one waste reservoir (52), a compressor (54), a compressor coil (64), a control unit (70) configured for sensing the introduction of liquid into the reservoir and for triggering the compressor; and a collection pan (66) configured for collecting water condensing on the coil and preventing the entry of water into the waste reservoir (52). |