I am thinking of having a water softener installed to solve the iron and manganese problems that I have in my home. We do have a well and septic system. I have heard that salt systems can do harm to septic systems. Is this true? We had a rep. come out that sells the 'Hostess' Water Treatment System by WaterCare. It uses a brass, nickel plated Caretrol by-pass. He states that the amount of salt released into the tank would not be that great; that it would be diluted. What is the general concensus out there. Have also inquired about a system called 'Eco Smarte' that has no discharge of salt; has no chemical regeneraltion, Ph modification or in-line flow restriction. It's known as a Well Water Turbo System. Web site is: www.ecosmarte.com. Is there really such a system available? Thank you for whatever information you can provide.